At the end of March I started back to school to begin work toward a degree in nursing. As I take my first midterm of the quarter this week, I’ve been thinking about how much different school is this time around.
When I first started college a decade ago(wow, I’m getting old), I was focused on balancing school, work, and my social life. That social life has since turned into a husband and 3 kids with church and family commitments. This time instead of balancing school with 20-30 hours a week as a pharmacy tech, I’m balancing it with dr.’s appointments, groceries, housework, and time with my family(to those of you who do all that, go to school, AND hold down a job: you’re a rockstar!)
All the time I’m spending on school between class time and homework is an investment. If I want to get a good return I need to make doing well a major priority. It’s the whole “you get out of it what you put in” adage.
When I was in college the first time, I was a major procrastinator. All nighters were a major part of my m.o. This time I find myself trying to work ahead when I can. That way if I fall a bit behind my schedule, I’m still on time. I have also quit trying to cram for tests. Starting to study a several days before the test is proving to help me retain the material so much better. I’m sorry to every single one of my professors who kindly suggested these better study skills that I failed to carry out the first time around.
When I was in college the first time I had 3 different majors and thought about 6 different ones. This time I have clear, specific goals I’m working toward that I’m excited about rather than scared of.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved my first college experience. I loved being a part of Grace University and am a proud alumna. I made great friends. I met my husband there. The biggest difference is this time I have a confidence and excitement I didn’t carry before. It just took me most of my twenties to figure out what I really wanted to be when I grew up.
Well, that's it for me. Would love to hear your experiences too. How is school different going back?
