The End of an Era

Well, folks, Tuesday was the first day of my last semester of college! (God willing.) I graduated from high school in 2000, graduated from community college with an associate's degree in 2002 and then slower than a turtle stuck in molasses, I tiptoed my way through different graduation plans, schools and thoughts of quitting until I'm at where I am today- a man with a plan...except woman. There are so many great things about graduating, but one of the best ones is that I can show people I did it. I know there are several people who don't think that I would, which is sad, but now I can get a t-shirt printed up with my degree on it (from the University of Iowa) and say, "LOOKIE LOOKIE!"

My plan next fall is to work on my master's, which people are even MORE in doubt of, but I'm gonna show them yet again. But this is something I'm passionate about and now that whole undergraduate thing is outta the way. I'd love to get my PhD, too, but that would be quite a ways off as I'd have to work and go to school for that. I've got three very important reasons for wanting that, but I can't share them aloud.

Anyway, other than sharing my excitement with this being my last semester, I wanted to remind people to never give up on their goals. And also that revenge is a dish best served cold... woot, woot!

School Days

Yesterday I was quite impressed with myself. I got a paper written for one of my classes while the kids were home! I started while they were napping and finished it while they played. Normally I only work on homework when they are not at home so I can concentrate better. But, since I'm sooooo close to being done, I am trying to fly through my classes.

I will be graduating from the University of Iowa in May with a Bachelor of Liberal Studies. It has been a long time coming. I started college in 2000, but took semesters off here and there to find my motivation. I have discovered that it you are not passionate about something, it is hard to force yourself to do it. I had originally planned to just get my bachelor so I could be a substitute teacher, but when my husband told me he didn't think I'd ever finish, that made me want to finish even more!

Now, however I have found more motivation. I had an epiphany, a revelation and have decided I want to teach at a community college. So, a couple months ago you would have found me saying, "yep, nine years it took me, but I'm done!" But now I've applied for my master's in English at Western Illinois University and am anxiously awaiting their decision. I'll keep you posted.

I guess this blog serves two purposes. First being to get the word out that I'm proud of ME, but also to point out that life needs motivation. Goals are hard to accomplish when you can't find the reason to do so.