I have been saying I will go back to college for the past four years. Finishing my degree has been an elusive goal, however, this year I finally I did it. I enrolled in a local college and now I am officially a college student. Some years ago, my dear Wife, graduated from FIU. I recall her personal satisfaction of accomplishment when she received her degree and graduated. I have been wanting to feel that same way for over twenty years.
College life was not easy for my wife as we had two small children, whom she had to look after while she attended school. I recall those days when she will get home late, exhausted, and finally the day came when she finished her degree and exclaimed, “I am finished, I graduated”. Those are the words I am looking forward to repeating myself. Our family attended her graduation and I watched as she received her diploma with so much confidence. I urged our kids to yell “Mommy”, when her name was called. I told my Wife, I was so proud of her. I said to my wife,”after this semester, you can see about your getting your Master’s degree”. She stated, “I am done”.
After she graduated, I became more serious about getting the right job, where I could excel quickly. I bounced from job to job, and settled at a company for 13 years. While at this company, I climbed the corporate latter a few times and all of the sudden I hit a stand still. My co-workers, whom were able to move to higher paying positions then where I was, had at least a four year degree. The positions I wanted to move up to required a four degree. The experience I had acquired, got me as far as the interview. However, the feedback I received always came back to a lack of education. I have decided to resign my job to go back to college full time. Thank God, we are in a sound financial situation allowing for this drastic move. Don’t get me wrong, we are not rich by any means and we all understand that this change will bring many sacrifices from everyone in the family. Yes, it is a drastic move that will allow my family and I to have a brighter future.
My goal for the next couple of years is to finishing my degree. Once I complete my degree, I will try to back to my old job. Who, knows, with my experience and now a degree, I may be accepted at a higher entry level position than the one I had. There are no regrets nor down side of going back to school. If you have the same idea, let me know how it went or how is going.
Making that decision must have been very hard. You are very brave for going back to school. Good luck to you and your family in your new endeavors!
Thank you so much Tiffany! It will be hard, however, it is doable and it is for our future.