(NOTE: Almost my entire entry that follows is recorded here, in a voice post. I am long-winded, so the voice post does lack the last few sentences, which are available in written form at the end of my entry.)
Recently I finished grad school but I didn't have family obligations and I got through it with minimal problems. Many of the people in my program were women with families in similar circumstances as you. It really is amazing what you all go through ! I'm glad everything is ok with your family.
I love the library! I thought about majoring in that but there isn't a program with that degree near where I live. I hope you find a job! We love our local library. What was your undergrad degree in?
I listened to your voice post and for a majority of it I thought about how excellent of a teacher you would be with your calming voice! :) *Hugs* You may not consider yourself a hero, but you're definitely one of the people who has the kind of work ethic that I look up to in life. :) Kudos to you for going back to college while still raising three kids! I really loved your first Idol entry. ♥
Yes, but it shows your strength and determination so much more now that you're doing with a full family to take care of on a daily basis. ♥
I graduated with a degree in English and Communications, so I love reading. ;) Though I don't get to do it as much as I'd like to read novels for pleasure. I'm trying to set aside more time to do so though! ^_^
If you were weak or deserving punishment, you wouldn't have given such a clear snapshot of what's going on in the world today for so many people, and the tremendous strength and motivation it takes. A lovely, clear piece. Best of luck to you in everything.
But yes, the more I look past my own life, the more I realize SO many people are struggling just to keep their heads above water. Education doesn't always give you a job and it's so easy for health problems or other issues to derail the plans you had for you and/or your family. I know at least 4 couples who live each in different states, due to jobs and cost of living and inability to sell houses in today's economy. I don't know how many people make it, with the cost of child care so high.
I now have financial aid for school but better sympathize with those who take out loans and then graduate, can't find work but must repay loans.
Many, many people work very hard without a whole lot of financial return. I hope somehow I can rise above (at least a little) yet never lose my perspective that many are trying just as hard as they could, even without good results.
It sounds like you're well on your way with both of those hopes, from what you've shared, and I admire that intent to keep humble and keep perspective. No need for thanks, though I appreciate it! I see a lot of people (what with Occupy Wall Street and so on) talking about how those who are in bad situations should have done this or that, so perspectives and stories like yours are really important.
I am blessed that my grandparents could step in and help but that isn't an option all people have. Also, like I said, three friends helped with the kids at different times. Also, I can devote my life to school and kids while many have to work as well.
I have noticed along my way how difficult some forms must be for others to fill out, etc.
There is more to each person's situation than meets the eye.
I don't know if Occupy Wall Street will accomplish its purpose but I do appreciate what motivates them.
Oh, the joys of college! When I was in school, I met many parents who worked as well as attended classes. Honestly, I don't know how anyone does it. It was sometimes all I could do to get my papers in on time and keep my grades up. I struggled with burnout so much during my last year of grad school. I often considered giving up.
I don't think you made a bad choice. I think you made a choice based on your hopes and your dreams, as well as what would be best for your family. Good luck to you as you get closer to graduation day.
Honestly, I've been kind of burnt out this semester but I'm trying not to give in. I went to college in 1996, but dropped out half way through the semester due to some really serious health issues. Returned and went from 1997-2000. Then returned and have been going since Jan of 2008. I know I had breaks but sometimes it just feels I have been in school FOREVER and still no degree and here, another paper, another test.
But I can't give up, even though I get tired of the grind. Sometimes I get so tired of it all though! But it won't be worth it unless I finish. And I (think) I will be a great teacher but I must jump through ALL the hoops or I will never get there.
Thanks for affirming my choice too. It's so hard not to kick myself for the past but it is true, I made a choice based on my knowledge at the time. I didn't know what life would throw at me.
Yes, I have learned that I enjoy a normal routine. I get enough "excitement" from my kids and day to day life. The big things are just..too much sometimes. Things are stressful but normal right now. I hope it stays normal for awhile!
(and I'm sorry, I hope it wasn't too boring to read it all again, in a way. It just seemed to fit the prompt well so I wrote it in a shorter way and pieced it all together.)
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What were you studying in graduate school? Have you started a job? I hear the job market is tough now!
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I feel I am regaining my work ethic. If I had remained true, I would have planned better and finished my degree BEFORE I had kids, I guess.
I'm glad you enjoyed the entry. Sorry the voice cut off early! I love your icon. So you love to read as much as I do?:)
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I graduated with a degree in English and Communications, so I love reading. ;) Though I don't get to do it as much as I'd like to read novels for pleasure. I'm trying to set aside more time to do so though! ^_^
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But yes, the more I look past my own life, the more I realize SO many people are struggling just to keep their heads above water. Education doesn't always give you a job and it's so easy for health problems or other issues to derail the plans you had for you and/or your family. I know at least 4 couples who live each in different states, due to jobs and cost of living and inability to sell houses in today's economy. I don't know how many people make it, with the cost of child care so high.
I now have financial aid for school but better sympathize with those who take out loans and then graduate, can't find work but must repay loans.
Many, many people work very hard without a whole lot of financial return. I hope somehow I can rise above (at least a little) yet never lose my perspective that many are trying just as hard as they could, even without good results.
Thanks for your kind words.
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I am blessed that my grandparents could step in and help but that isn't an option all people have. Also, like I said, three friends helped with the kids at different times. Also, I can devote my life to school and kids while many have to work as well.
I have noticed along my way how difficult some forms must be for others to fill out, etc.
There is more to each person's situation than meets the eye.
I don't know if Occupy Wall Street will accomplish its purpose but I do appreciate what motivates them.
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I don't think you made a bad choice. I think you made a choice based on your hopes and your dreams, as well as what would be best for your family. Good luck to you as you get closer to graduation day.
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But I can't give up, even though I get tired of the grind. Sometimes I get so tired of it all though! But it won't be worth it unless I finish. And I (think) I will be a great teacher but I must jump through ALL the hoops or I will never get there.
Thanks for affirming my choice too. It's so hard not to kick myself for the past but it is true, I made a choice based on my knowledge at the time. I didn't know what life would throw at me.
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(and I'm sorry, I hope it wasn't too boring to read it all again, in a way. It just seemed to fit the prompt well so I wrote it in a shorter way and pieced it all together.)
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