1. Rance R. Bell, Sr. Introduction Ashford University – EDU 650

2. Good day Dr. Lassiter and fellow classmates. My name is Rance Bell, I currently reside in Burlington, NJ. I’m recently divorced after 25 years of marriage, and I am the proud father of three children, two boys and one girl, and five grandchildren ranging from 15 years old to 2 years old. I am a native of South River, New Jersey, a small community nestled in the central part of the state. In July 2008, I retired in from the U.S. Air Force as a Master Sergeant after 26 years. During my first six years, I served as a German linguist, and the last 20 years as an aircrew member, aboard C-17 and C-141 military cargo aircrafts. Our primary mission was to deliver military personnel and equipment to various locations throughout the world; either via traditional air-land means, or the employment of airdrop techniques. My last 20 years provided me an enormous opportunity to see the world. The extensive travel allowed me to visit a total of 101 different countries, and 6 of the 7 continents; I never got the chance to visit Antarctica.

3. Basic Training – June 1982

4. Last deployment before retirement – Qatar 2007

6. I attended public schools in my hometown of South River, NJ. The key experience that had a lasting impact on me was my selection as a foreign exchange student for a year in Frankfurt, Germany. That experience fueled my desire to travel and experience the different cultures the world had to offer. My hobbies include web site building, cooking, writing poetry, chess and soccer. I coach a local youth team (I’m a bit too old to play any more).

7. It is my ultimate desire to teach at the college or university level; either in traditional classroom or online environments, possibly even both. Once I finish my Master’s degree at Ashford, I have desires of pursuing a doctorate’s degree in education administration. We’ll see how things work out during this phase of my educational pursuits. Albeit, it is my desire to engage in adult education, I am not adverse to teaching at the primary or secondary education levels. My motivating factors to pursue a career in education are that my my grandparents were never afforded the luxury of an education. Second, to be a continuous example to my children and grandchildren, to leave a lasting legacy for my future generations!!!

8. I believe obtaining a Master’s degree will afford me the opportunities to challenge myself to new heights to complete myself within the whole-person concept; it is imperative to prepare ourselves to the greatest extent possible. With my military experiences, my recent graduation from Ashford University with a BA in Organizational Management, and a Master’s degree in education, I will have all the tools necessary to become a positive influence to my students. The late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is credited with saying, “The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy objectives upon which to concentrate.”

9. I look forward to learning, exchanging ideas and interacting with everyone involved with EDU 650. Additionally is also my sincere desire to make as many positive contribution of our learning as possible. Today is the first day of our journey into the realm of higher education, let’s make the best of it!!! Reference: Strauss, V. (2013, January 20). Martin Luther King: Intelligence is not enough. The Washington Post. Retrieved April 15, 2014, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer- sheet/wp/2013/01/20/martin-luther-king-intelligence-is- not-enough/