I used to have this recurring dream where I was wandering the halls of an unknown school, looking for a classroom I could not find with an assignment due that was unfinished. When I would awake from that dream I knew what it was telling me. At that time I had an associate’s degree and had started a family and was working full-time, but I secretly knew my education was unfinished. That I was capable of more. That I owed myself more.
What follows is my own story – a tale of how I embarked on a path to a degree in organizational leadership in my 40s. Juggling a full-time job, raising twin teenage boys engrossed in marching band, and managing the demands of higher education was no small feat. Yet, the challenges I faced were outweighed by the rewards I reaped – not only in terms of career growth and financial stability but also in the remarkable boost of confidence I gained.
My life resembled a high-wire act, where every step was carefully calculated to maintain the delicate balance between work, family, and education. I was acutely aware of the hurdles that lay ahead, but the fire within me to better my circumstances was unstoppable. The sleepless nights fueled by textbooks, the meticulous planning to ensure I never missed my boys’ band performances, and the constant need to adapt to ever-changing schedules – all of these became the cornerstones of my journey toward personal and professional transformation.
Benefits of a College Degree
Looking back, the benefits of obtaining a college degree are more profound than I could have imagined. Education, I realized, is not confined to textbooks; it’s an experience that shapes your worldview and equips you with tools to navigate life’s challenges. My degree was a compass guiding me through uncharted territories of critical thinking, problem-solving, and holistic understanding. It wasn’t just about lectures and assignments; it was about becoming a better version of myself.
The transformation was not limited to my personal life. It was a catalyst that propelled me into a career that I found not only financially rewarding but also intellectually stimulating. The doors that swung open before me were a testament to my perseverance and the realization that investing in education is an investment in oneself – a lifelong asset that appreciates over time.
Transformation Through Confidence Building
Perhaps the most profound lesson I learned was the art of building confidence through challenges. Every hurdle I overcame – be it acing an exam amidst a hectic workweek (I demanded no less of myself than a 4.0) or managing a major project while attending my boys’ marching band competitions – added a layer of confidence to my being. Each triumph, no matter how small, whispered to me that I was capable of more than I had ever imagined.
Confidence, I found, is not a fixed trait; it’s a muscle that strengthens with every trial and triumph. Stepping outside my comfort zone was nerve-wracking, but it was also empowering. As I juggled my roles as a student, a mother, and a professional, I discovered reservoirs of strength within me that I never knew existed. The challenges I faced became opportunities for growth, and the more I pushed myself, the more I realized how much I was truly capable of achieving.
My journey is not just my own; it’s a story that resonates with anyone who has ever questioned whether it’s too late to chase their dreams. It’s a testament to the fact that age is no barrier to education, and challenges are not roadblocks – they are stepping stones to greatness. As I stand on the other side of this transformative experience, I am humbled by the ripple effect it has created. My wish is that my story is a beacon of hope for those who stand at a crossroads, a reminder that the pursuit of education is a journey that defies age, circumstances, and expectations.
Challenges are Opportunites
I am reminded that challenges are opportunities in disguise and that the pursuit of education is a lifelong endeavor. So, if you find yourself contemplating whether to embark on an educational journey, let my story be a source of inspiration. Embrace the challenges before you, for they have the power to shape not only your future but also the person you become along the way.
Get Started
If you’re in the same place I was and aren’t sure where to start there are free resources to help you! For example, Operation Graduate helps people who are looking to go back to school to complete their Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. They will help you apply, set up financial aid, choose your classes and your program, get comfortable with online classes, help with transfer credits, etc. They also provide a scholarship! Here’s their easy apply form, no strings attached. Go make a better life for yourself starting now!
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