Can moms handle going back to school?
The short answer, yes.
But, of course, I’m going to get more detailed with this one.
When I first began college at age 18, directly out of high school, I was totally over it. It felt almost as if I was repeating high school. I was bored so, I didn’t go to class. Overall, I just did not do well. School isn’t for everyone, and I thought I was one of those people.
That stunted me from trying again for years. I always felt like I lost my chance and I wouldn’t be able to keep up even if I did try. I felt like that chapter of my life was closed never to be opened again.
But, nearly ten years later, I began again. I was very nervous at first. I remember thinking the night before the first day that I had made a huge mistake and I had set myself up for failure. I believed there was no way I would be able to give my all as a mom, a worker, a spouse, and a student. I greatly underestimated myself.
If I had to guess, you’re probably underestimating yourself too. Doubt is creeping in everytime you try to entertain the thought.
I’m too busy…
I’m too exhausted…
I’m too old…
It’s been too long since I have been in school…
I’m not “teachable”…
I’m not smart enough…
The list can go on… but do any if those sound like some of your thoughts?
I gave myself every excuse in the book NOT to go back to college. All of those thoughts above went through my head. So, I get it. You always feel too much something and not enough of another. Why do we do that to ourselves? Aren’t there enough naysayers in our lives as it is?
So, the first step to going back to college is to STOP MAKING EXCUSES. Sorry to get all bold and capital on you, but the point must be made. I know, it’s so easy for someone to say, “I dont have time, I make time for it”. But, honestly, it’s condescending. There is only 24 hours in the day, people. You can’t do it all and sometimes certain things have to take a backseat to other things whether you like it or not.
The truth is, you may have to stay up a few hours later than usual to finish an essay.
You may have to get up extra early to study for an exam.
You may have to bake your daughter’s brownies for her Christmas party instead of doing your homework one night.
You may have to let the laundry pile up, close the books, and take a hot bath to relieve the stress from your body.
But, you CAN do it! No matter what your excuses are, no matter how heavy your insecurities feel, no matter what you have on your plate you CAN do it. Even when you feel like you can’t, you CAN and you will be proud of yourself for pushing through.
I’m not done yet. I have quite a bit more to go. It hasn’t been easy. I haven’t recieved A’s in every class, but I have done better than the year I was there after high school. I have learned self-discipline and how to prioritize my time. I have had to re-learn things and I have also learned brand new things. I have had to do things I didn’t want to do – like dissecting a worm and reading books centered around Greek mythology (no offense to Greek mythology lovers – just not my thing). But, I stopped making excuses and I finally started to trust myself.
And if going back to college is something you have wanted to do but you have never given yourself the chance, take it from someone who has been there, too… Trust yourself and jump into the unknown! You may just surprise yourself!