On a whim, I decided to apply for the MAE (Masters of Arts in Education) program at SAU. I was chatting with Lori this morning about work and realized I only had 2 years left to get my 18 credits to keep my certificate (well, I have a provisional certificate, the 18 credits will give me a professional certificate).
Until now I've been the ostrich with my head in the sand.... ignore the fact that I have limited time to get these credits in. Ryan is still in school and I honestly don't know how we'll afford my $1000/class, so I kind of figured.... I'll deal with it when Ryan graduates this coming spring.
Well, then I started to freak out and decided.... screw it. I need to JUST DO IT!!! So, I applied for the MAE program and called Katie to get the scoop. She started her Masters classes last year and has 2 under the belt. So, we'll pretty much do the program together which will be nice. She said she was able to sign up for classes very soon after applying and that I should have no problem signing up for a class this fall. We decided to take one class on campus this fall and one online in the spring.
AAAACK. I'm so nervous about this. I already feel stretched SOOO thin. Its not like I'm a single woman or even just married.... no. I'm married with 2 kids, a mortgage, a pretty much full time job as well as a part time business, car payments and hell don't forget the student loans. Oh, and Ryan is a student as well and he's gone 2 nights a week with his classes. I am afraid of being stretched too thin but I guess I have no other choice.
Stretch or break, right?
I know I'll make it through and I'm sure others with much more challenging situations have done this. I think this year will be the worst... with Ryan still taking classes. He should be graduating in the spring so that will be nice to have him home 2 more nights a week.
Whew. Big steps being taken this fall. Big steps.
Going back to school full time with kids and all of the above is a challenge, but it's worth it in the long run! Keep pushing because it will be over before you know it and it will be nice not to have that hanging over your head! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou will be busy, but it will be sooo worth it. Plus, having Katie taking classes w/you will be better than doing it alone!
ReplyDeleteI am close to SA if you ever need help with the boys...just let me know.
Thats smart of you to do it now. Dont wait until the last year like tony did, and that really can put a strain on the household. Timewise and financially! Its great too that Katie is taking the same classes and you guys can encourage each other through these! If you need help with kids or anything, let me know. I think i can handle them for a few hours for a class. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on heading back to school! I'm sure you won't regret it and I've found that over time things don't really get easier...just challenging in different ways so way to take the leap & just do it!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya on the school expense/debt crap... I don't think we'll ever be out of it. Ryan's been in school ever since high school- he'll finally be done this winter w/ his masters in accounting... OMG- its been a long haul. And I've put off on going back to school because we can't afford to take out all those freaking loans... pain in the butt...
ReplyDeletegood for you! masters will be worth it for sure! did you know you can also get a 2 year extension?
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome, Nicole! I did my Masters right away and it makes a HUGE difference in pay...especially in the long run. Good luck with everything!
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