I would have to agree with, I look at this degree as a short term goal because in 2 years I will be finished with this degree, which will enable me to apply to go to grad school, which is just an other stepping stone to get into post-grad school, the AAIT degree was a stepping stone to get here for me, but I think it was the most important for me personally because I successfully completed something that required hard work and attention, and my family is very proud of me, I have made my life rough on myself ion the past, I have a history of starting things and not completing them so I have broken the cycle. I am fortunate that my father and mother are still alive. Two and a half years ago I was released from the penitentiary in the state of Texas. I already had all my goals written down, short term, long term, etc. I went to my mother's house and she asked me what I wanted to do with my life, I told her I wanted to get my doctorate before she dies. She said that was a very good goal. I had a lot of time to sit and think about what I wanted, but I set goals for myself and I am accomplishing them. My incarceration is what drives me to continue to enrich my mind with knowledge by going to school. It doesn't matter what drives you as long as you have something.