Returning to School as a "Grown Up"

I know in my last post I told you to expect more pictures, less words. But then I looked back at the last five posts and realized they were nothing but pictures.... I figured you guys missed me. (You did, right?  Or are you just here for pictures of Henry?)  Plus, as it turns out, things are rather calm around here.  I was thinking about what I need to do for school today, and realized that, for the first time in two years, I only have ONE thing to do.  Study for my final.

My FINAL final.

In twelve days I will be posting pictures of me walking across the graduation stage, accepting my Master's in Public Health with (unless MADNESS occurs with this FINAL final) a 4.0 GPA.  When I was accepted into the program two years ago I looked at the course work I needed, looked at a calendar, and realized if I took two classes every semester, plus summer classes, I could complete this thing in two years. 

While working full time.

Having Nick and Henry at home, attempting to be the best wife and mama I could be.

With soccer schedules, then tball schedules.  

Having Missy sick... then losing her.

With my endometriosis getting worse, and then having a hysterectomy.


With Life.  And not a college student's life, which is busy and full and totally a LIFE...but a life built around school.  My life was not built around school.  My life was completely full without classes and homework, papers and exams.  And in a very surprising way, I feel that made me a better student.  I know for a fact it made me a better student than I would have been if I went straight from undergrad to graduate school.  Because working full time, having a family and a life, it made me value this more.  I looked at the time I was giving to this program as time not spent with my family.  And if it was valuable enough to keep me from them, then I was sure as hell going to make it worth it.

Now, as it wraps up, I believe I have made the most of this time.  I have constantly worked hard.  I have made lasting connections with my classmates and my professors, many of whom I have come to consider as friends as well as future colleagues.  I have learned to multitask and work quickly and efficiently in a way I may not have if not juggling classes with a full time grown up life.  And most importantly, I have discovered what I want to do with the rest of my working life.  I have found a field I am passionate about, and after working full time for ten years, I know how absolutely valuable that is. 

Twelve days.  And then the next chapter starts.