I am a nontraditional student. Which means I am a college student seeking a undergraduate degree, this is my second time around the university block (so to speak), I am married, and I am a mother. OH yeah! and I am older than most college students. Being a nontraditional student presents more obstacles than when I was a fresh faced 18 year old in college for the first time, but that's okay.
I recently read a post from a friend, who is also a nontraditional student, who asked, "How do other super moms do it?" By no means do I consider myself super mom, but I do go to school. The last two semesters I have carried 15 hours each, this summer I'll knock out 12 and in the fall (my last and final semester!!) I'll carry another 15. I do this because......not only do I want a degree, but I want to be able to provide a better life for my children.
My mother went back to school when I was young to get her MBA and here is what I remember about that time.
-I remember spending extra time with my friends and neighbors.
-I remember seeing my mother study.
-I remember her graduation party.
-I remember learning to be independent.
-I remember always being able to call my mother no matter what.
I do not remember missing out on having fun or not spending time with my mother. She made time to take us shopping, to the movies, and to be our taxi cab to all our school events.
This is what I want for my children. I want my children to remember how hard I worked to study and finish school. I know spending time studying now will lead to better provisions so I can spend more time with them later.
I know the things they remember later in life won't include the last couple of semesters when life slowed down for them, so I could finish school. They will remember how hard I worked to stay home, be with them, and finish something good.
Of course, only time will tell what my girls remember, but here are some things I hope they do remember.
Sneaking out for ice cream. Girls nights. Snuggling on the couch watching movies. Cooking together. Working in the garden during the summer.
All of these activities, we do without having to be extravagant and get out of the house too often.
Sometimes as moms we feel the need to keep up with Super Pinterest Mom. I have no desire to keep up. One thing my parents taught me very well when I was young was that love doesn't equal expensive toys, clothes, vacations, or super fancy birthday parties. Love is being there for one another, supporting a persons individualism, and encouraging them to grow. Love is shown in so many other ways.
Currently, I am showing my love for my children by studying to finish school so that I can better provide for them.
Please excuse my rough first draft. I am sure with more practice, blogging will come more natural and honestly, I'll save my super grammar for my term papers. =)
