Learning Objectives Mastered I entered the adult bachelor's degree completion program at Spring Arbor University totally confident in my abilities to draft, execute, and present adequate writing projects. With this preconceived frame of mind, I felt that the writing course would be a “walk in the park” and that it would be the other courses and topics that would prove to be a challenge for me when I examined the curriculum. Indeed, just like many others, including Mary Geis, I had received above-average grades on assigned assignments, and most teachers complimented my proficient use of language, vocabulary, and paper writing. To my surprise, it was during the second module of the Family Life Education Program, Critical Analysis and Research Writing, that it became apparent that there were many areas in which I had much to learn and other areas that could be greatly improved . While my knee-jerk reaction was to launch into denial and continue with the status quo, to my delight, I not only became aware of some shortcomings; I have embraced, learned, and applied strategies associated with the importance of critical thinking, the meaning of active reading, and the meaning of effective writing skills. Importance of Critical Thinking One dictionary definition of critical thinking is: “the mental process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, analyzing, evaluating, and applying information to reach an answer or conclusion.” With this definition as a measurement tool, many factors have contributed to making me believe that I was a solid, problem-solving, strong-thinking person. I was the eldest daughter of a family of seven (everyone came to me to solve their problems), I had been a single mother for several years ( there… middle of the paper… and that this applies to all aspects of life Isaiah 26:3 states, “Being prepared brings peace of mind, trusting in God brings perfect peace.” Stephen R. Covey (1994) states: “if we act on principles, it will produce results in terms of quality of life” (p. 73). Therefore, if I ensure that I am prepared and act on principles, I know that I will accept, understand and make best use of the change. advantage and for the great benefit of my family and my future commitments. Works Cited Benjamin Bloom and Lois J. Broder, Problem-Solving Processes of College Students (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1950), pp. 25-30. Covey, S. R., Merrill, A. R., & Merrill, R. R. (1994). First New York, NY: Free Press.Trimble, JR (2000: Conversations on the Art of Writing Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-). Hall, Inc.