Being a parent brings the need to make tough decisions. From pregnancy to the time your kids are adults, you have to sacrifice. Sacrificing is not just about money, but also your personal life. For me, it was my education.
During finals of my freshman year of college, I found out I was expecting. My boyfriend and I sat and talked about what was to come. We talked about keeping the baby, which was a no-brainer for us both. I never thought I would have to drop out of school until other issues started to arise. I had actually enrolled in classes for my sophomore year, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I was not able to even complete the semester.
Fast forward to after labor, and I have my bouncing baby girl. She was born with brown eyes and hair, and was just plain gorgeous. She already had my big feet and long fingers. I must say this baby impressed me. After I gave birth, I told her that I loved her. I made the unsaid promise that every parent makes: “by any means necessary.”
Throughout my daughter’s six years, I have enrolled in school three or four times since originally dropping out, and each time ended the same. It was a tough pill to swallow, but being a single mother, it just comes with the territory. The hardest part for me was when I had to make the decision to drop out. It was even a little embarrassing, because I knew I wasn’t giving up, but to everyone else I was. I am now dealing with reality. Until I have the proper support system both financially and physically, I won’t be able to go back to school. I have never, and will never, give up on going back to college. College is simply on hold.
A few steps I am making to go back to college include finding a proper part-time job that pays well and also has flexibility for a class schedule. I have also checked into 24/7 child cares for when I start clinicals, which are normally early morning. So far, I am making plans to go back within the next year or so. My kids will both be in school full time, which will help avoid paying for full-day childcare. So I am carefully planning every little detail, so the next time will be a success instead of more tears shed. Wish me luck, and I’ll keep you posted!
