Sunday, May 30, 2010

College take 2.....errr 3??

After High School, I went to college for a semester and did terrible. I withdrew before the end of the first semester so I wouldn't fail. It was crushing. (Granted, my adviser had over-loaded me for my first semester, but I didn't know that then...) I certainly wasn't a genius, but I felt like I was pretty smart. After that, I enrolled at a technical college for a Respiratory Therapy certificate. I think I finished one or two quarters there before life just took over. I got married, started working more to help pay the bills, and then we started our family, and I was lucky enough to become a stay-at-home-mom. There just wasn't any time for school. And I was content with that. Over the years I've thought about starting back to school, even just to take one or two classes here and there, but the timing never worked out (and for a reason, I believe--Heavenly Father knows best!!).

This fall, I will have 4 kids in school. In another 2 years, Lindsey will go too, and I won't have anyone home during the day. I think this brought on more thought to going back to school. Of course this is new territory for me, and has been met with worry as well. My kids still need me, so can I do both? Will this put a strain on my marriage? So many questions.

In trying to decide what to study, I've tried to think about all the different things that interest me. The problem is I like a lot of different things, but for some reason I keep coming back to Nursing. The next decision to make was where to go? This was kind of difficult for me too. But in the end, what made the decision for me is I want to have a degree, not just a certificate. It might seem silly, and maybe it is, but for whatever reason I really want a degree, or more specifically, a Bachelor's degree. What's strange is I don't look at other people who go through certificate nursing programs and think less of them, in fact I'm quite impressed! But this just feels *right* for me!

Today I took the first leap and submitted my application to college! Despite my worries (that will probably ALWAYS be there) of whether I can handle it all, and meet the needs of my family, etc....I AM EXCITED! I have no idea how long it will take me to finish, or what speed bumps I'll surely meet along the way, but it's the first time in a lot of years that it just feels *right*!

College, here I come!
My kids are already teasing me that they will be asking me if I've done MY homework! :)

4 comments:

Unknown said...

Good for you! I'm excited for you. I love school -- wish I could work on another degree right now. You'll do a great job!

Candace said...

Congrats! You will do great! When times get rough, just remember your goal and that it will all be worth it. You can do it!

Jennifer said...

Wow Erin! I'm totally impressed :) And so excited for you! Good luck on your new adventure!

Jenée's Blog said...

YEA!! -I am so excited for this new chapter in your life! You are going into the field of my dreams... :o)
I sincerely hope you have an enriching experience attending college.