Done, finally.

I am officially done with school! I spent the last 4 years attending the University of Phoenix. Though, prior to that I had attended the local community college for about a year. 

I started at the University when I was 8 months pregnant with Pickle. Originally when I signed up, it was because I felt like my brain was turning to mush. Not only that, but I had begun to feel like I didn’t have a purpose. All I did during the day was stay home, cook, and clean. I didn’t feel productive. 

I completed orientation before Pickle was born, but took a week after he was born to adjust. Since he was our first, getting time to do school wasn’t difficult. He slept, I did school. He nursed, I did school. He sat in the swing, I did school. He was awake, sitting in my lap, I did school. Of course the ease of being a newborn didn’t last forever. 

Eventually, doing school felt more like a chore than something I once found exciting. It took away time from my child. Plus, as he grew, he got busier which meant less time, during the day, to focus on school. I spent many nights staying up late to get things done. 

I finished my associate’s degree program in 2015. I immediately followed it with my bachelor’s degree program, without a break in between. Up until I got pregnant with Poppy last year, the only breaks I had were the ones the school gave us. About a week and a half for Winter break. 

I did take two leave of absences. One when I was pregnant with Poppy and another after she was born. I knew the adjustment wasn’t going to be as easy as it was when Pickle was born because now I had two kids. Plus, I was watching my nephew, at least, 2 days a week. Once again, I spent many nights staying up late to get my stuff done. 

It wasn’t always easy, but I think some of the best things in life we go through are challenges. I think it taught me how to better manage my time. I like to think Pickle, at least, will remember how hard I tried and will maybe make him motivated in school.

I am sure it will be strange not having homework to do. I am proud of myself though. I managed to maintain a 3.67 GPA while having two kids among all my other duties. 

I am glad that it is coming to a close, too. With Pickle starting school and both of them not slowing down their growth anytime soon, I want this time to focus on them. I won’t have to say, “sorry I can’t play right now because I am trying to do school.” I always felt so guilty doing that. Now I can have a lot more time with them and more time, hopefully, to sleep at night.

I feel very accomplished. I got my Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration. It’s been a long road, but I am glad it is finally over.

-Jenn