Checkin In!

I realize it's been a few months since my last post.  Although I have a plethora of excuses that are completely valid and not entirely worthless, I'll spare you the list.

Last semester went well.  As you know, I only took a couple classes.  This worked great for easing back into school and remembering how much work it is while working.  Thankfully, I had a couple of months off from work because I no longer work with Staples.  

In June, after my trip to the Bahama's with Kate, I was offered a job position in the home health care field and I've even had the opportunity to shadow an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) and Occupational Therapists (OT).  Yes, it was reaffirming that I am in the proper career choice for me! :-)

This summer, I have been enrolled in a summer online hybrid course for Medical Terminology.  Although it's not the easiest course I've ever taken, I'm surviving.  This class does make me wish that I had taken Latin, if it were an option during my education.  Regardless, it's interesting but still makes me wonder why I must know ALL of the medical terms when I'm not in the Nursing program.  To better myself?  To be well-rounded?  Yeah...okay. :-/

All in all, school has it's moments.  I still believe I'm making the right choice.  I'm still passionate.  I'm still hanging on to this dream.

Work, Class, Eat, Sleep

I used to have a schedule of work, rest, relaxation, and do whatever I want; however, that is long gone.  There are only so many hours in the day and reminding yourself to eat dinner should not be an actual "to-do" on your list.

Keeping myself in check:  When I get worked up about not being able to do my homework until after work or in three days because I have not time between work and classes, I have to keep myself in check.  Lately, I have had thoughts that I am not going to be able to finish projects and do well on assignments because of my work/class schedule.  I keep forgetting that I won't be working full-time while I am going to school full-time.  Honestly, I don't know how people do that.  I have always had at least a part-time job and gone to school full-time or vice-versa.

Currently:  I have been setting up babysitting and part-time nanny gigs for when I am done working at Staples.  It's an odd feeling but I can't wait to work with kids again.  Plus, sitting is a lot easier on my class schedule and on my mind.  Sitting comes more naturally than sales does so a less stressful work environment will be greatly appreciated.

At this moment:  A cold sickness is upon me.  I can feel it in my head and throat. Thankfully, I only have 6 hours of class this week so I will manage but being sick is just getting in the way of feeling motivated and efficient.

Homework

I can't complain about the amount of homework I have considering I haven't been assigned homework in two years and I only have two classes this semester.  I am SO glad that I decided to still work full-time while going back to school part-time.  Otherwise, I'm pretty sure I would have developed an anxiety disorder!

Seriously, there is quite the load of homework for only having two courses.  Just saying.  Here's a little preview of how I look while doing my homework.  Fun Stuff. 

All in all, I feel like I have a purpose again.  Aside from being at work, which hasn't been as fulfilling as it had been in the past, I feel happier. 

First Day of School

I wish it were possible to bottle the excitement of the first day of school.  I would bottle it and save it for the days that I wake up and feel unmotivated.  Regardless, the first day of school went great!  

I felt like a kid walking through Disney World for the first time.  Eyes wide open, mouth dropped, looking every which way, and smiling like a school-girl.  

The campus is in Appleton, about 20 miles away from my house and I had never been there until yesterday.  Everyone is so helpful and the environment is so inspiring.  

My week schedule:

Monday: work 9-4pm, meeting with for test anxiety 5-6pm, class 6:30-9:30pm

Tuesday: work 9-4pm, class 6:30-9:30pm

Wednesday: work 9-4pm

Thursday: work 9-4pm, scholarship application meeting 5:30pm, class 6:30-9:30pm

Friday: work 10-6pm

"I'm so proud of you."

I am one day away.  

One day of the week stands between myself and the journey of dropping back into college.  The nervousness and joy I have are impossible to explain.  Those of you who have supported me by reading my posts, sending encouraging words and keeping me in their prayers and thoughts...I cannot thank you enough.  Hopefully, some day I can show you all how much that means to me.

As I was completing my first assignment for my accelerated Ethnic and Diversity class, it hit me that this is it.  This is round two of my academic career.

I heard words today that almost brought tears to my eyes. Kate said to me, while snuggling on the couch this morning, "I am so proud of you."  I've heard it before, but I believed her this time.  I'm proud of me too gosh darn-nit! I've set myself up to pass and to push through.  I am taking all of the advice I have received over the past five years and actually applying it, as those who have passed it on to me had wished I did before.  

Ready or not....here we go!

As usual, I will keep you posted.

Temporary Failures

In the great words of Abraham Lincoln, “In your temporary failure there is no evidence that you may not yet be a better scholar, and a more successful man in the great struggle of life, than many others, who have entered college more easily.” 

I begin school on Monday, January 14th, 2013!  I am only taking two classes, as I am still working full-time at Staples.  I was very cautious in preparing my college plan this time around, primarily because I want to do things properly this time. 

 As the days are shorter, the nights colder, and the work day dragging on, I need to go to college. 

 I need to feel purpose again.  I need to learn.  

I wish I had this mentally back in 2008 like many of my former classmates did.  

Then again, I am glad I wasn't aimlessly wandering the campus on a predetermined path for a general 4 year degree.  This time, I am going to matter.  The glow that radiates from my pure happiness is evident this time around.  My "temporary failure" of college from 2008-2010 is what made me the "better scholar" I am today.  I have become "a more successful man in the great struggle of life" than those who formally completed college before me. 

This time around, I appreciate the time, money, lessons, assignments, and students that it takes to have a college work successfully for its students.

In all honestly, I feel so happy to have a second chance with my education while I am perfectly able minded and youthful.  Many people in my life have taught me with love and personal experiences that life does not grant second chances very often.  They have taught me that one must keep pushing forth even if it takes you eight years to get a bachelors degree. ;-)  

For those lessons, I am thankful.

Graduation Day

Bachelors of Science in Nursing Graduate of 2012, RN status pending after passing score of the NCLEX Boards Exam in Febuary. 

She did it.  After four and a half long years of determination and passions, she graduated college.  This past weekend I was able to experience my Kate walk across the stage not once, but twice...one of which I was able to do with her, side by side. 

 

Nothing can stop this girl, I swear.  She is the most determined and strong headed human being I have ever met.  Nothing is too hard for her.  Alongside all of her 70 other Nursing Student friends she only has one last step to becoming a BSN-RN.  The NCLEX.  A nursing boards exam that she must pass in order to be a licensed nurse in the state of Wisconsin.  She'll pass, of course.  In preperation, she has to attend multiple study classes, understand nursing material of all categories, and accurately display her knowledge by passing the test on the first try.

Again, she will do it.  It's just a matter of getting to the point that we have to wait for now....

Waiting games are never fun, but after waiting four and half years to get to this pivital point, a couple of months shouldn't be too bad...right?

 

All in all, we cried, laughed, drank, and were merry while celebrating a job well done.  I don't think I'll ever be able to find the words to express how happy and proud I am of Kate but I know that she knows.  Mostly because I tell her, "I am so proud of you" every day since she has graduated.