I'm finally graduating!

[MyTwoAs]

I've mostly lurked in this forum but I've posted every now and then however I wanted to share my good news - I'm finally graduating! I first started my college career way back in 1991 but quit after a few years and a few majors. In the fall of 2007 I started back and now this week I'll finally be graduating. Tomorrow is the main commencement ceremony (I think about 10,000 grads, I won't be attending that event) and then Saturday is my convocation ceremony. I'm definitely attending Saturday as I want my kiddos to see me walk across the stage and receive my BS degree.

I'm still contemplating grad school (mid-December deadlines for a fall 2011 start date if I'm accepted) but I wanted to share my excitement. For anyone else considering returning to school, or even starting college, but are concerned about juggling parenting and school or even going back as a 30-something, I encourage you to do it if that is your dream. It has been a long three years but I can barely contain my excitement now.

[La Sombra]

CONGRATULATIONS, Mama!!!!!!

I have been plugging away for the past for years and am finally looking down at my final year. You are right that it is possible and it is worth it! You're an inspiration!

Good luck with whatever your next adventure!

[MyTwoAs]

Thank you and good luck as you continue your studies!

[kittykat2481]

Congratulations! I am graduating from nursing school this weekend, and I feel the same way about my son seeing me walk across the stage. I know he's only two, but just knowing that he'll be there cheering me on, and witnessing my accomplishment brings tears to my eyes.

[MyTwoAs]

Congrats to you too Kat!

[Drummer's Wife]

Congratulations!!!! I'm a 30 yr old back in college as well - so you all are definitely inspirations.

[*MamaJen*]

Congratulations! That is an awesome accomplishment and it sets a great example for your kiddos.
I'm going back to grad school in the fall and sort of scared that at 31 I'll be the oldest one there, and one of the only one with kids, and maybe the only single mother. But I know it's the right decision for me.

[MyTwoAs]

Congrats to those of you starting school (or going back). My courses were online but I wasn't the oldest one, by far, which made me feel a bit better. I'd still go to campus regularly and even at that, there were still students that were older than me.

Best wishes to everyone!

[La Sombra]

Originally Posted by *MamaJen*

Congratulations! That is an awesome accomplishment and it sets a great example for your kiddos.
I'm going back to grad school in the fall and sort of scared that at 31 I'll be the oldest one there, and one of the only one with kids, and maybe the only single mother. But I know it's the right decision for me.

Girl! Tell me about it! I am 31 as well, but I'm an *undergraduate* at a public university where there is absolutely (except for me!) ZERO age-diversity in terms of the undergraduate population. I am without a doubt the oldest person in all of my classes, and I'm about the same age as many of my GSIs/TAs. I'm certainly the only one in any class with KIDS--and now that I'm obviously pregnant I feel *really* sort of...outcasted isn't the right word because I generally feel accepted by my peers--it's just that I'm VERY conscious of the age difference!

Generally, though, I accept where I'm at, am proud of my accomplishments and I *certainly* have no doubt that, like you, being back in school and finishing this degree (and the masters I will go on to do) is the right decision for me!

[MyTwoAs]

La Sombra - You should be proud of your accomplishments and I think that helps you feel comfortable in your skin. I did take my daughter to campus once and I was definitely the only one on that part of campus with a child with me. However, I do go to the second largest school in the nation (Arizona State University) and so there are tens of thousands of people on campus - which helps with the whole age diversity thing.

[catscharm74]

Congrats...I am graduating this summer...I know the stress and hard work you have overcome. Here's to your future!!!

[kittykat2481]

Originally Posted by MyTwoAs

Congrats to you too Kat!

Thank you! I just got back from my graduation. My classes were definitely not online, but there was great diversity in my class. Every age, race, walk of life was represented. My sister was nervous about going back to school this summer - and she's only 21! Seeing everyone I graduated with made her feel better though. I think most colleges/universities are pretty diverse these days, with people changing careers and going back to school.

[t2009]

Congrats to everyone graduating this year! It's a true accomplishment & a great example for the kiddos (as someone already said). I still have one semester left of grad school... this is good motivation to slough through my last batch of papers & classes!

[AndVeeGeeMakes3]

First off, CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GRADUATION!!!!! That is such an awesome accomplishment!

Originally Posted by La Sombra

Girl! Tell me about it! I am 31 as well, but I'm an *undergraduate* at a public university where there is absolutely (except for me!) ZERO age-diversity in terms of the undergraduate population.

I totally understand. I didn't START college (UG) until I was 30, and I just finished my graduate work (9 years it took me, 9 years) this spring (though I've been finished with coursework for 2).

I'm a professor at an urban university that has a lot of "non-traditional" students like I was. I can tell you that, almost always, those students are such a joy. Even when they're older than me. It's really nice to teach some one who's there not because mom and dad said that had to go, but who wants to go for him/herself. So, don't ever feel weird!

Also, I joined every organization that made sense, like the honors groups and whatnot. It helped make my college life feel a bit more real, AND it helped my CV for later. I knew that I could never be in a sorority or any such things, but being a part of some things was really interesting (I usually just hung out with the faculty advisors).

AGAIN, CONGRATS!!!