finish my college degree

I have a family, with a very supportive husband. Enlisting help with the children was a must. Many people could hold a job and do this full time, but not me. I went to class and came home to read for many hours before going to bed bleary-eyed. The classes were not easy, but I learned a lot.

This goal is not over. It will be years before this goal is reached, but it is okay. I will be happy to do fulfilling work.

I’ve entered spring break with a 4.0 so far. The family has been really understanding and helpful. It’s kickin’ my tail as I’m not 18 anymore and shouldn’t be staying up so late. But if I can stick this out for a few more years, I’ll be doing the job I love (hopefully)!

It’s a bit of an adjustment. There has been a lot of reading and my first quiz is tomorrow, but it will be fine. I’m still a little jittery about chemistry, only because of the conversion problems I’ve had trouble with in the past. However, this teacher and the text seem to be much more student-friendly so that really isn’t a big worry either.

I will say that it chaps my hide a little that the English Lit. prof is a big dork who happens to be a few years younger than I. This is not really an age-ist statement because I’m not against his age. It is just a huge reminder that I am not where it seems like I ought to be.

My own little family has been quite supportive, so I count that a HUGE blessing!

At this point, it is likely a matter of staying consistent and keeping the goal in mind.

I’m going to indulge in a tiny bit of self-pity for a moment. I’ve known so many people who had their parents pay their way through college and even grad school. My parents are not poor (though, not extremely wealthy, either). They profess to love me. But they never would pay my college tuition. The reason? “You need to learn to paddle your own canoe.” These were my father’s words. However, I was never irresponsible and always worked. But with only a high school education, that paycheck never was much. I paid for and received a two-year degree in a field my father wanted me to pursue, but I’m totally burnt out on it. It was never really something I wanted (and I paid for it, go figure).

My parents would not even fill out a financial aid form—something that would have been completely free to them. I really want to let go of the grudge against them for being so unsupportive, but it really is overwhelming when I think of all the years I wasted trying to please them. They should have wanted my happiness for my life. But on that, I digress.

So, I’ve applied for a job at the university because they will waive up to 9 hours tuition fees per semester for a full-time employee. Plus, I desperately need benefits. And, even though the pay isn’t great, those benefits, plus a small check would really get my own little family through my undergraduate work.

But, if I continue on to graduate school, it would make sense to completely devote all my time to it and just take out loans, since the study work is so much more involved.

But, even if the job isn’t offered to me, I’ve purposed to return to school in January—even if it means taking out school loans.

Summer semester ends this Thursday. So far I have 100% in my Foundations of Education class: one paper I finished tonight, due tomorrow night, and one last paper due Thursday. I’ll have a month reprise until fall semester starts in late August. I’m enrolled in three classes for fall…I’m kinda scared, what with two kids, AND I’m going to have find a full-time job soon. I’m taking computer applications (should be a piece of cake; it’s a formality really. I’ve been using computers most of my life), American History I (scary! I hate history, and have dropped American History II twice already. Hopefully I do better this time around) and British Literature (which shouldn’t be too bad, but it is a writing intensive class, so I expect a lot of work). Wish me luck! I’ll keep you updated as I can.

I am taking Summer II and taking a Physical Ed so I can get back in the mood to school again. I am very excited!

I go back to school in June. To begin with, I’m only taking one class, online. But I’m also enrolled in the fall semester, so far with a full schedule (also online). Yay me! I’m sooooo excited!

Just made the decision to change my major to something that I can get done in the short-term. Part of me feels like this is taking the easy way out…but I’m so excited to be just 6 classes away from being a college graduate rather than more than 20 classes away!

Next up…getting paid more! :o)

I’m going back in the fall. I’ve started getting information for schools in the Seattle area and will be working on applications. It’s been so long, I don’t know what classes are going to transfer – and the ones that do – if I feel confident about those subjects without re-taking them…I am getting a bit senile…;}

Agghh, in the 4th year of a 5 year degree in Biomedical Science, which is very enjoyable though demanding. Have been very disciplined and motivated. However, this term I have been more easily distracted, probably because I have just moved to a exciting new city,..and its a long haul doing a five year degree. Have my Christmas exams in 3 weeks….feels a bit like a steep hillwalk, and that there is a real risk that I could fail them. I suppose that is a good thing , cos it means I’ve got “THE FEAR”..which always gives you a kick up the ass.The last two days have been a complete waste as study goes, only got two hours done each day, which is scary. Need to remember, every step is a step forward…and today is a new day. That is why I am putting this on my list today, to remind myself, this is the major goal in my life at the moment, and it is todays goal, will keep you posted on how I am doing and if anybody has interesting experiences in the same vein, would love to hear them. Best Foot Forward, onward and upward!!