Today was my first time being back in school after taking a few years off. I’ve enjoyed school a lot for quite a while now. I noticed last time I returned to school, about four years ago after taking a break for nearly five years, that I had changed my attitude about learning. I went from feeling bothered that my time was being used for something that I didn’t value to feeling very appreciative for the opportunity to learn. It wasn’t easy to squeeze into my schedule, it was hard to afford to go, and it was tough the first day of class, but I realized the wonderful benefit of learning in an environment dedicated to teaching me. Although I appreciated learning, it was very hard to give up time with my young son at the time. I decided to put my education on hold for a few more years to focus on treasuring the time with him while he was so little.Well, it’s finally the right time to return to school. I have a wonderful support network and all things set to facilitate my studies. AJ doesn’t mind that I’m gone one day a week, in fact he enjoys the change in our schedule resulting in his spending a full evening with his favorite cousin, Alliana. What a wonderful relief to know he’s taken care of and happy. I couldn’t return to school any other way.
I have about 17 classes remaining to finish my bachelor’s degree in Business Management. It may take me quite a long time, at my rate of one or two classes per semester, but it’s not completely about finishing up. Obtaining my degree is a long-term goal of mine and I am excited to strive toward completing something I’ve worked long and hard on. Yet even more, I am ecstatic about stimulating my life with higher education.
I notice that just by taking one class, I feel invigorated. Not all the time… I can often feel tired, of course. Yet, when I am in the classroom and during times of study, I reach wonderful thoughts and realizations that I wouldn’t have otherwise. Having a bit too much on my plate is great motivation for me, and as I age, I need to be challenged to keep me entertained. I get bored easily and I don’t like the affect that has on my energy. I love that I will be reading books I would have never otherwise picked up. I enjoy learning greater levels of depth of subjects that are intriguing to me or practices that I use often. I treasure being put into situations that I would have never put myself in, and becoming more well rounded because of it. Not to forget the little pockets of alone time that it creates that I would have never had in my schedule. Those are fun!
So we’ll see where this takes me. I definitely want to get my bachelor’s; no matter how long in the future that may be. I may even possibly go for a graduate degree… I am very interested in teaching one evening class in the future as well. What a wonderful way to give back.
by Danielle Crume © 2011
