Mar 23 2009
There are always challenges in being a nontraditional student
Doing the school thing as a nontraditional student is always challenging.
When I went to college for Computer Programming, I was single parenting and constantly broke. I did it anyway.
When I started my undergrad in English, I was also taking care of my mother-in-law, who had Alzheimer’s. It was a lot of work…and I did it anyway.
When ma became ill and we decided to keep her at home until the end - and then she died - I still managed to keep up with my school stuff and finish the semester on time.
During my last year of undergrad, I managed to juggle teaching a full load, plus classes both in Barrie and in Sudbury (3+ hours North of Barrie) ….. and the driving sucked and it was hard. Still, I made it.
In November of this year, I fainted at the wheel, wrecked my car, broke one wrist and sprained the other and lost my drivers’ license …… still, I managed to finish the semester with decent grades and on time.
And then there are all the other nontraditional students I know…. people juggling families, jobs, disabilities, learning challenges, illnesses….etc. And they keep going and make it too.
We are a strong bunch, we nontraditional students.
I am strong and I can keep on doing this.
Okay …so maybe today was a very bad day and I am sorely tempted to say to hell with it and ….
…never mind. This too shall pass…. and I WILL keep going until I’m done. Damn it!
Oh, honey! Call me if you need to!
Or whine on Ask Anything. I’m there for you!
Yes, the nontraditional students definitely have to balance a lot. I’ve been there, and it’s so annoying to know you’re there in class with all your work done and the kid next to you couldn’t show up because he was hung over. There’s nothing like a taste of real life to make you hunger to better yourself and get some education. You’re awesome, Flit. Keep up the good work!
ah, but those are the students that make us look ~brilliant~