I am a mom and a wife, turning 36 in less than two months, and I have decided to go back to college to finish my degree!
I always had the intention of getting a degree of some sort when I left High School. After I graduated in 2002, I started community college the following fall. I didn’t do too badly, but it was a struggle for a newly independent 18-year old who graduated from a very small private school. Like many teens, I was at odds with what I wanted and what my parents wanted for me. I thought I already knew everything I needed to know, so I decided to strike out on my own and move over 6 hours away from home.
Let me tell you, it was the first in a LONG LINE of bad decision making on my part.
I tried to stay in college, but I was literally throwing money away on classes that I was not passing.
Eventually, I made my way back to the Coastal Bend. By then, working and supporting myself was number one on my priority list. It took me a lot of trial and error just to figure out how to function as an adult – just keeping a roof over my head and food in my belly was a major feat!
When I was 24, I finally hit my stride: I had a good job that offered benefits and security. I was doing it! I was functioning as an adult with bills and responsibilities.
At that time, I decided it was time to go back and finish my degree! I began going to school online and in the evenings and paying for it all on my own. Unfortunately, I really did not know WHAT I wanted to go to school for. Once I had finished a lot of the basic classes, it was time to declare a major. Because I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, I changed my mind repeatedly. Wasting more time and money on classes that were not getting me where I wanted to go. Trying to work full time, go to school, and have the social life of a single 24-26 year old burned me out. So, once again, my grades slipped and I stopped going to school.
By this time I had met my now-husband and we were starting our life and family. As each year passed, my dreams of getting a degree felt more and more unattainable.
I had honestly almost put it all out of my mind and didn’t think about it much anymore. My focus was on being a mom, wife, and a part of the Coastal Bend Mom Collective and I was very happy and content with those roles!
In the last few months, however, a switch that went off in me!
I have been working with my son at home for the last two years on his reading struggles. We recently discovered that he may be dyslexic. In addition, I have been participating in a homeschool program with my daughter to prepare her for kindergarten. Through this, I’ve realized that I want to do more and be more.
I want to not only be a part of the education of my children, but for others. More specifically, I want to be a support to those who have the same struggles as my son!
With the encouragement and support of my husband, I submitted my application, was accepted, and have registered for classes starting this summer!
I realize that I have a long hard road ahead of me and that I will have to be even more intentional with my time. But if I can show my kids one thing through this, I want them to know it is NEVER too late to dream and accomplish a goal – even if it takes you longer than others.
It is time for this momma to stop dreaming and to start doing. I am finally going to finish my degree!
What is something that you are dreaming about but haven’t had the courage to start?
We want to support and encourage you to go after your dreams!
You are never too late!
