How I did it: I started college 2002, but I didn't finished second semester (S/Y 2002-03) because I have to drop out of college for a work-up to donate my kidney to my younger brother. When I returned to the university the dean won't accept me (Nursing Dept.) because I was "unfit." My uncles wanted to sue. Between the dean and I, healthwise? she's far behind.

I wanted to transfer to another university and take Nursing again but I have no time, I was falling behind. What I did was enrolled myself to that same university in Teacher Education (S/Y 2003-04) and took it for one year. Wasn't really intending too, but I remember how I love teaching in my younger years. Summer of 2004, I left that university for the previous reason I had (admin. and their rules!) and some new personal reasons that arose.

So, I enrolled to another university to start again. When I attended the first day of class, my older sister (from Canada) asked me to drop out and attend a Live-in Caregiver Program because she wanted me to follow her ASAP. So I did what I was told, I dropped First Sem of S/Y 2004 and enrolled in a Caregiver program for 6 months. I started June. When I was about to finish (by November), she then called again to say that she changed her mind and wanted me to finish my Nursing course. I was getting confused and pissed at the same time.

So, I entered the University again and enrolled some minor subjects (considering t'was 2nd semester) that year. Summer 2005 I enrolled some more minor subjects and with other minor subjects that has been credited from the other university I attended from, I enrolled 1st Sem of S/Y 2005 as 2nd year Nursing student.

I did well and gain lots of friends. Then came 1st sem of 2006 (as 3rd year nursing student). I had my capping and that 1st sem I found out I was pregnant, and pregnant students couldn't get into affiliation w/c is a pre-requisite to pass 3rd year. My family knew of my pregnancy until January of 2007 (2nd sem). I kept it to them for 6 months & because I was quite chubby they didn't really notice. They were frustrated, of me, of course. But I passed my subjects and my requirements. The only thing that's left is my affiliation. I gave birth April of 2007.

When school started, I again enrolled. But because I passed all major subjects and requirements (made sure of that!), I just enrolled minor subjects and waited for affiliation to start around 2nd semester. So, apart from the much needed affiliation, the whole 2007-08 school year was pretty much relaxed.

When 1st Sem of S/Y 2008 started, I was more than ever determined to make this work. I really wanted to finish my Nursing course. I wanted to prove to my family that I was sorry and serious this time. Gladly, my plan worked just fine!

Graduated March 29, 2009. It was 7 years, yeah. But, I learned, not just academically, I leart life lessons as well. Lots of it, if I may add.

Lessons & tips:

• Not all things may go our way, but there is a greater thing waiting to happen, behind it.
• Life is not that easy, but having friends (even new ones) make it easier.
• We have to be strong for ourselves, because if we don't, no one will.
• Mistakes are there to learn from.
• Education is still the best thing we can give ourselves.

Resources: My parents of course who, after learning I was pregnant, asked me to finish my course after I deliver.

My old university, who taught me a thing or two.

University of Saint Anthony, the school I graduated from, which I hated at first, but learned to appreciate in time.

Friends that helped make it through.

And of course! HIM! For giving me this wonderful experience, and making all things possible for me.

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May 26, 2009, 07:04PM PDT | 0 comments | 2 cheers