You've Inspired Me!

[Sweetpeach]

Hello WTM'ers,

Today is a really special day for me!

I'm sharing with you because this board has been a real source of encouragement for me.

{ Names that come to mind are PariSarah (completed PhD, working while nursing - sheesh, that's impressive); another gal (Virginia?) who enrolled at CC because she just knew that she had a bright mind that hadn't been encouraged after highschool; our own SWB who seems to have her life together despite juggling many hats, wife, mom, hs'er, PhD, author, business woman.}

So, today I sent off my application to return to Graduate School. I felt boosted in confidence and joy, just because I actually found the courage to get my transcripts together, complete the package and put myself out there. Acceptance? Rejection? At this moment, it barely even matters - I'm thrilled that I did it. I let my brain travel to a land where it would be alright for me to do something for myself.

I think of the many moms here who accomplish so much - we've all been given the gift of 24 hours in a day. Thank you for motivating me to "get out of my own way." (I had to throw in some Newfoundland lingo for you.)

I'll continue hs'ing while I slog through the degree on a part-time basis.

Thank-you, to all of you who haven't been scared to dream, and have told us about it here.

Cheerio,
Tricia

[BamaTanya]

Congratulations! Hooray for you! What are you studying?

I started an Ed.S. program last year. It's slow going, but it's helped to pull my brain out of the mush. Some of my classes are online and some are on campus. I really enjoy the interaction with others who share the same interests.

Carving out time to study is a little hairy, but dh often shoos me out to the library when he has time to play with our 5 dc. Once he took them out for milkshakes, and they all came to find me to give me a study break.

Hope you enjoy your new chapter. Keep us posted!

[Tonia]

Congratulations! Good luck with it and keep us posted on how you are doing!

[Elizabeth TN]

That's awesome! I plan to go back someday and get my undergraduate degree. I have no idea when I'll find the time, but I really want to. Good luck; can't wait to hear the updates on how it's going!

[GothicGyrl]

As soon as DH finishes his Master's program, I am going back to school myself for a Bachelors in Education--Math. :)

[PariSarah]

Oh, how FUN!! Many, many good wishes to you.

(And many thanks for the kind words. I'm not *quite* finished yet--I still have to write the diss--but I appreciate the sentiments!!)

What are you hoping to study?

[Sweetpeach]

I've applied to study a Master of Education specializing in Counseling. (The non-educational stream)

I love people, coming alongside, encouraging the walk through very difficult situations and memories of trauma and abuse. I've known for years I want to help more, but I couldn't figure out the academic path.

Applying for grad school in counseling with very few pysch courses might be a huge deterrent, however, I've got maturity and experience on my side.

I remember a comment made by my favorite history prof as a undergrad. She was a woman, super-cool, bright . . . I knew I was not in the land of my anoiting when she said, "I love what I do. I find my identity in being a historian, researching, consulting, writing, teaching." That shocked me because I certainly didn't take academics all that seriously.

Now, that I know that I know what it is I want to do, I'm really quite thrilled about the prospects of returning to school.

Gals, whatever you dream, go for it!

And, thank you all for the encouragement. Now, I'll spend 8 weeks with my toes and fingers crossed for good luck. I have to release my admissions anxiety . . . what will be will be!

Tricia

[Jean in Newcastle]

Good for you! Happy studying!

[Sharon H in IL]

Good for you, Tricia. Sounds as if this will be a good fit for you.

And I share your admiration for all the hard-working homeschooling, self-schooling moms around here.