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December 2010 Moms
Nicole0012
member
Anyone doing graduate work?
Nicole0012
member
Are any of you enrolled in grad. school at the moment? I feel like a crazy person, but I've really had the desire to go back to school to get my counseling degree. I have an undergrad degree in English education and teach high school English full-time. I also have a master's degree in curriculum and instruction. With all of the work I do with high school students, I find working through some of their social and personal issues, along with guiding them through college and future planning is what I've enjoyed most. I think I'd make an excellent counselor! 
but...
BUT...
I'm also about to be a single mom to a two-year old, trying to kind of make it on my own, pay for the divorce, and stay sane all at the same time. Yikes. Is it possible?
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Re: Anyone doing graduate work?
I am. I have my undergad in Chemical Engineering and am working towards an MS in Operations Design and Management. This is my second semester back at school.
Things that are hard: One night a week I miss seeing Oliver completely. I need 5-10 hours a week to work on HW and reading in addition to keeping the house going, keeping up with a demanding job, etc. Some classes have project work assigned too-so making meetings that fit my schedule can be challenging.
Things that have helped: I am only taking one class a semester. Work is pre-paying for my education 100%-but I have to maintain a B average. I hired a HS student to watch O for 3 hours on Saturday afternoon so I have planned time to do HW or schedule group meetings.
It is possible. I am planning on taking 2 courses over the summer semester. I will be taking one in person and one blended-where we meet on campus only 3 times over the semester and on Saturdays and the rest of the course is done online. I have also paired up with two other students that have families and are working full-time. We have been able to do all of our project work together and not had any issues with scheduling.
I should add that while my H does pick O up on my class night he isnt the most helpful with chores around the house-so I have maintained my level of involvement in the house/chores, but added school on top. It is busy, but for me the opportunites that will be available when I get my MS are worth it.
hold the phone - you mean to tell me the HS counselors had advanced degrees? Yikes, that only adds to the disappointment I already had in the ones at my school! They stunk, but I bet you'd be great at it!
DH went back to school last year - it was tough but if you're close to family who could help I think you'd be ok. (I'm thinking about child care if you needed to meet with a group at night or such)
Oh no! How did I miss that you and your H ultimately decided on a divorce?
But on the other note, I think it is possible, if your school will reimburse you for some of the work. Does your school have a policy like that? It will make the money thing a lot easier.
Also your H should pay for the divorce. Just sayin. I know you guys are still friendly and great co-parents to Miles, but is it ok if I'm still mad at him?
I am beginning my Masters in Higher Education Administration this semester. I also work for a University, so the price is right(I only pay fees, text books and taxes on tuition over $5,000). This program is only 10 courses and if I plan right I can complete it in 2-3 years depending on if I get pregnant sometime in the next year.I need this degree to advance professionally, so I mine as well knock it out.
Anyway, my goal is to do this while we only have 1 child (or as much of it as I can with just 1). I also figure DD won't notice me gone as often now as she would if I would do it when she were older. IT will also allow me to finish up prior to her starting Kindergarten at which time I would be able to be involved. It also tackles it before any sports or dance and what not we may be running doing as the kids get more involved.
I am fortunate that this particular class only meets 4 times throughout the semester and is primarily online. However the format of future courses varies.
The walls I am up against is a husband who works 3rd shift and a lot of Overtime, and trying to work around his schedule and know when we need childcare or help. I am also currently the President of the local FOP Auxiliary which carries a lot of responsibility on top of working full time.
I know it will be worth it in the end and that there will need to be some sacrifices on all part, but know that I need to do this for me and need to take advantage of this opportunity.
It is certainly overwhelming but in the end you will look back and say " I DID IT" and as single mom with many other things on your plate! Maybe even say "That wasn't so bad!"
Yes! I am working on my masters +15 right now online. It's exhausting. There seems to be no time for homework after work (if you catch my drift). But it sounds like you have a goal. Just ease in slowly and ramp it up in the summers. I actually find being a student more relaxing than being the teacher.
Wow, my hat's off to you guys. I would love an MBA, but I just can't imagine doing it right now.
It's on my 40 by 40 list, though.