My title mentioned about being done and school. I really want to talk about the former. Haha 🙂
You know, when I finished my Bachelors back fourteen years ago (wow, that long already?!), I have told myself that I will never pursue any advanced degrees. The stress that I had for being a full-time student for five years was too much and had to be enough. And I thought, I can always learn through work experiences than spending more money and energy doing graduate studies.
For the second time, I am going to say it, I am totally done with school! Haha 🙂 So you asked, what made me do it anyway? I think it started with a desire to improve myself and I had time (at that time haha) so why not. I have always preferred an in-campus learning but ended up doing online learning instead. I rocked my first semester. I did two courses. Can you imagined that because I couldn’t. LOL.
I can easily sum up my academic experience through my grade. I am not going to brag but I also feel proud to have attained it. I got a GPA of 4.0. I know some will say that, it’s just a number and it’s nothing when brought to the real world but that’s not what I’m trying to imply. That number right there means more than just a number or a grade scale. That number reflected my sacrifices, sweat, tears, sleepless nights, name it, my excellent time management perhaps? 😉 In other words, it was chaos especially when I got pregnant. Did I say I got time? LOL. I pressed on even after giving birth. Did I ever think of quitting? OH YES, A LOT of times. I have questioned myself a ton if it was worth it to continue. With my increasing workload, it would just be impossible. But then, I continued. I PRAYED A LOT. I had to shut what other people are saying that things are better learned in the real world. I know my pursuit of finishing it was more than that. I wanted to educate myself in life in general – that there is beginning and end and that there is glorious after sorrowful events. I wanted to set as an example to my two little girls too; to finish what they have started, to stay committed for as long as they can, and that they can be a better version of themselves. I want them to know that they, too, can overcome any obstacles they may face in the future.
So yes, honestly, I did it not mainly to get a master’s degree. I did it for personal development. Yes, truly. And more importantly, I did it for my girls. I am excited to share what I have learned from school and in life. They are going to grow up strong spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
Friends, if I can think of any advice to give to you, it would be keeping a person or people close to your heart and mind. They will fuel the times you feel tired or lost or confused. They’ll remind you as to why you are doing what you are doing. It is easier to push and achieve your aspirations that way, at least, in my experience. And if you believe in God, then pray, pray as much as you can. He’s always more than willing to help you. This combination worked for me. I hope it will the same way to you. And I hope you continue to chase down your dreams. They are worth it.
P.S. I wouldn’t be able to attain this without the help of my mother. In order for me to continue studying and do my schoolwork, she had to watch and take care of my two beautiful girls who can be crazy at times. Yes, mothers rock!
I graduated extraordinarily, at home and through zoom! 🙂