Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Almost There

Tonight is the very last class of my master's program.  There are still some lingering assignments before I can permanently close the book on this semester, but after tonight there are no more classes.  And, from where I'm sitting right now, no plans to EVER enroll in another class, be it pottery, ballroom dance, or, perish the thought, something of a more academic ilk.  My mother, wisely I'm sure, says "Never say never," but, right now, the thought of ever being graded again makes me nauseous.  

I haven't had a perfect experience in graduate school, but I have accomplished what I set out to do.  I've been challenged.  I've been introduced to new ideas and theories.  I hope I've laid the foundation for teaching my children the value and importance of advanced education, even at great sacrifice.  I've struggled with finding a balance between doing the things I want to do, the things I need to do, and the things I'd rather not ever do.  I've proven to myself that I can do hard things.  And, despite having a baby and raising three kids, I've finished...almost. 

On May 18th, I will don my graduation robes and finally be awarded the advanced degree that I have longed for.  Between now and then I will produce some 60 pages of papers and projects, but after 4 semesters, thousands of pages of reading, hundreds of hours of classes and studying and group work, 42 credits, far more tests than I want to remember, dozens of in-class presentations, and countless other commitments required to matriculate, those final assignments will be a cake walk.  I'm tired.  It's been a long haul and my family, my children, my friends, and especially my husband have shouldered many of my burdens and, therefore, made all this possible.  I have no regrets, none, but I am ready to be done.  

I am so close, so very, very close and it feels great!


9 comments:

Kimberly said...

Linsey, you are amazing. I am so excited for you.

Anonymous said...

I am still stunned at what you've accomplished in so short a time. Stunned and in awe and inspired by your dedication (and Kenny's too). So many congratulations!!!

Robin said...

Yay! good for you. I know I've told you this before but I earned my master's degree while pregnant with my 3rd child. It was awful. You go girl!

Annie said...

Hooray, Linsey! Such an awesome accomplishment. You rock.

Cecily said...

When I grow up I'm gonna be you. Congrats!

Nomads By Nature said...

Congratulations on accomplishing your goal!

Lauren in GA said...

Linsey, YOU. ARE. AMAZING!!!!!

That is so fantastic. I admire you so much.

Your writing is really at a whole other level. The way you express things is so incredible to me. I now want to use the word, "ilk" in everyday conversation.

I got a good giggle out of your saying that you are done with classes...even pottery and the like. I suppose you wouldn't be interested in a little underwater basket weaving? No? Killjoy.

Really, many, many congrats. Well done. Your hard work has been amazing.

sienna said...

yay! congrats! it's such an accomplishment and i'm so glad that you are so close. good luck on finishing things up. I know you can do it. and you had a baby in the middle of school, you can do anything!

Jamie Zvirzdin said...

Well done! Congratulations.

 

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