OK, so I’ve got your attention. You’re probably thinking,“Wait, that’s supposed to say American Idol, not MVNU AGS Idol”. You would be correct, but let me explain. 

If you’re one of the millions of American households that watches the wildly popular singing competition, you tune in every week to hear a group of music hopefuls perform and then be judged by Randy (Jackson), Paula (Abdul) and Simon (Cowell). The winner of the competition is chosen by the viewers at home.

In many ways, pursuing your academic studies is much like pursuing the dream of being the American Idol. Just like the contestants on American Idol, you’re looking for a few things out of this experience. You’re probably looking for an improved status in life (social and/or financial), the opportunity to do something for a living that you’ve always wanted to do and the feeling of accomplishment.

Improving your status in life is part of the human venture. The process of making sacrifices to achieve your dreams is common and often necessary to advance. One reason that you are pursuing or considering pursuing your degree might be to better provide for your family or to earn a promotion at work.

The opportunity to do something that you really enjoy for a living is a blessing that escapes many today. Many of the contestants on American Idol have been singing for years for their local communities or family members. Singing and performing is what drives and motivates them to do the best they can every time they take the stage. This also might be a reason why you are pursuing your degree. You’ve been in business for a while and you need that degree to move into the elusive management or professional position. Or maybe you have a passion for teaching others reading, mathematics or history. The love for what you do to earn a living drives you to give your best performance every time.

Or for you, maybe it’s just about accomplishing something. You’ve set a goal and you are determined to reach it. The goal for the American Idol contestants is to walk onto a stage and perform in front of family, friends and fans. Your goal is to walk across a stage and receive your diploma in front of family and friends.

As for Randy, Paula and Simon—they are represented by your professors. Those professionals who have been down the path you want to go on who will critique you to perfection. (Aren’t you glad that Simon isn’t a faculty member?)

As for the viewing audience at home—you can count on the AGS staff to play that role. One nice thing about this audience is that we are cheering for ALL OF YOU to be winners! We are your biggest fans!