Light at the end of the tunnel

For certain I am getting there. I can literally count on one hand, the amount of classes I have left. Two of which are for a training and development course I am in, and it has been such a breath of fresh air to take this class: the content is interesting, and the instructor is one of my favorites. It's certainly the way I would have wanted to go out, I've already completed my workload (can you say anticipation motivation ;))-it's a matter of that last day of class getting here, and presenting. After this course, I have a 1 credit portfolio class which is basically a recap of about 10 courses that I have taken, and reflecting on them-as well as my education at Marian as a whole. It meets twice, and the content is basically opinion based. It is safe to say that I am getting near the light at the end of the tunnel.

In reflecting on this past year and half it's taken me to get to this point I am filled with so many emotions. Pride and relief rank among the top. There is so much more that goes into an education when you have a family in tow: people who go out of their way to babysit when 1) you have class, 2) you need to work on homework or 3) you just need a break from it all. People who offer a supportive word, kind advice, or just the push that you need rather than "how much longer til your done", "whose watching the kids", and "now what will you do with this degree". Seeming as though I've put my family through capital punishment in a quest for my own education, rather than developing myself and setting an example for my children.

I like to think what I've accomplished will set an example for my kids: 1) to set a goal, and follow through with it. 2) You will go to college after high school, not because I said so, but because life will be so much easier that way:). 3) Education at any age or wherever you might be in your life is beneficial. At the very least, you get to interact with a variety of individuals who give you a different viewpoint from work, school, and life in general.

I have met some wonderful people along this journey, initially school served as a social outing for me when I was at home with the kids. It was essentially my job, because I am one of those people who feel like being at home 'wasn't enough'. And now that I am back to work, it's given me the opportunity to apply that knowledge back into the working world rather than a hypothetical. Did we struggle, yes; was it hard, yes; do I regret one moment of it, NO. These struggles mark the closing of another chapter in my life, and I am so proud of myself and looking forward to a little more 'free' time, if there is such a thing.

Heartfelt thanks to all of my biggest supporters, and you all know who you are; I could not have done this without you!