September 19, 2007 - The start of a great journey.

"I am interesting in completing my Bachelor's Degree and would like to get more information on your online program.  My degree would be Business Administration.  I have credits and I would like to know if they would be transferable."

That was the first email that I sent when I was deciding if I would go back to school.  My cousin had just completed her Master's online and she was telling me how the online program worked.  Now I started my college journey 26 years ago and at that time the intranet was a basement idea so the thought of someone being able to teach me anything online was still a stretch in my head.  I listened to what she had to say and after that conversation I begin to look on my company's intranet because they offered tuition reimbursement and I, first, had to see if they would reimburse for online schools.  Not only did they approve, they actually had a list of preferred schools.  I remember choosing Colorado Tech only because my daughter once said she would love to live in Colorado. There was no other reason, it was that random.

I sent the above email and immediately go a reply from a recruiter.  I pretty much told him that I didn't want to begin until the start of the year.  He began to describe how their classes were set up and the schedule was not the normal semesters like traditional schools.  He was trying to get me into the next term but I said no because I still had to think if this is something I wanted to do.  I was a single mother of three children in a position at work that between October and February I am working an average of 50+ hours a week.  I can say that he had a great pitch because he made it sound like I would listen to these chats and submit work and in no time I would have my degree.  I bought it.  I guess a big part of me wanted to buy it because school was the single most important thing I wanted to finish.  Plus, I  have been preaching to my children about college and they were getting to the age where I begin to feel like a hypocrite.  They never made me feel that way, I did it on my own.  What better way to show them than to do it myself.

That beginning seem so long ago because when I started my program I had an 8-year old desktop computer that was slow even though I had high speed internet through the cable company.  Not to mention I had three children whose schoolwork required the use of the computer so many times I had to wait until everyone was finished before I could even begin my work. I never will forget the feeling I got when I heard the professor say my name.  It felt so official. That first class was pretty simple and I was like, "Oh yeah, I got this!"  That next class was more, "what the hell?" And the classes afterward was more of the same.  I had to repeat some classes but 6 months later I had completed my Associate's degree.  I had mixed feelings about it because on one hand I felt that I had made a big leap in my reaching my goal, on the other hand I could have beat myself up for not doing it sooner.  But in the end there was no need to look back because I still was not where I wanted to be. 

When I started to work on bachelor's program I had just returned from visiting my friend Alicia in Texas and I was not in the mood for school.  I began to see changes in my daughter and things just seem to change.  I always say God knew what I was about to encounter and He knew the first thing that would have suffered would be school.  So I truly believe He felt I needed someone that would help me to stay on track so I wouldn't have to live with yet another regret.  I believe that's how I got my BFF. How else can you explain me meeting someone who is just as determined to finish school as I am and who would be able to support what I was trying to do and provide the support throughout the trials that came my way.  I had to withdraw at some point in my program but when he saw things getting back to normal, he began to inquire about me returning to school.  I don't think I would have done this on my own.  My BFF knew that the situation would not stay the way it was and I am forever grateful for his support and love. So grateful I married him.  Well in August of 2010 I finished my Bachelor's.  Then I began to consider my Master's program.

Now when I began this, a Master's degree was not in the cards.  Not sure why,  I was just not interested.  I always thought a Bachelor's was enough.  Then I looked around my workplace and noticed a lot of people had Master's degrees so I started to think that if I wanted to remain competitive, that may be the road I need to travel.  Well, needless to say my BFF would be needed again because I reached a point on my job where my work hours increase to about 60+ hours a week and when I finished that job, concentrating on schoolwork was difficult because my mind was constantly thinking about the things I needed to achieve the following day on my job.  I had to withdraw once again.  This lasted about 6 months and honestly I would have been okay with it lasting longer.  I will never forget my BFF standing over me and he said, "don't you think its about time for you to go back to school?" I was so casual. My first thought was, dang! One thing he always said, its not that he cared if I got my Master's but I should complete what I started. 

Well, the other day, I received the proof that I had finally finished a life long journey and a great one at that.  I look at this degree and know that about 8 years ago, I never thought this would be in my immediate future.  I always knew I would go back, I just thought it would be once my children left home.  I never thought I could juggle being a full-time mother, employee, student and after a while wife. I know what I have done is nothing new but knowing ME that way I do, it was an accomplishment. The entire time I went through this, my children never felt like they were being neglected, although I felt I was neglecting them. Between work and school it was hard for me to attend wrestling matches and choir concerts and other events but they didn't complain and they were happy when I achieved a milestone.  I will continue to say I am truly blessed to have these young people to call my children and because they invested in my goals, I don't think twice about investing in theirs.

Peace.
TB, MSM

 

Happy New Year 2012

Happy New Year.

I always start my year by reflecting on the last year and seeing what is ahead in the upcoming year.  If you try it, you will be amazed at the blessing that you have received over the year, even when you think times are tough. 

We were so excited about having a new member in our home but that did not turn out the way we wanted it to.  I think my husband was disappointed, not in the efforts, time and money it took to get her here but in the type of person he helped bring into the world turned out to be.  As parents we want so much for our children and although we can do our best, pray and leave them in God's hands. Some children are determined to learn the HARD WAY.  We will say how that turn out.

I am on the road to completing my Master's degree and its funny because when I started this blog I was just beginning to complete my Bachelor's degree.  I am so thankful to the opportunity that has been given to me but what I am most thankful for is the people God put in your path.  I look at some mountains that were placed in front of me and I know had I not had the encouragement I have in my life, I would have quit school.  This year was tough in the beginning because my job required so much at the first part of the year until, I have to withdraw, but once the workload started to decline, my husband was the first person to ask me when I  planned to re-enroll.  Thank God for him. 

Finally, I was able to get a new position and although I am on a learning curve, I am enjoying my work more than ever.  It is so refreshing to be learning something new.  I know God gave me this when he knew I was ready for it and so far so good.

In the upcoming year, I will be completing my Master's degree (August 2012), my husband will be completing his in March.  We have made a  commitment to do more traveling and see more of the south.  My biggest prayer to God is to help my husband find a career in one of our chosen cities so that we can move and explore other parts of our great country.  I continue to pray for my children.  I am telling EVERY parent out there keep praying for your children, God is listening.  I have been blessed.  My two youngest children are completing high school (2012-13) and my oldest will be entering his 3rd year of college in the fall.  He is hanging in there and I am so proud of him.  It can be so easy to get frustrated but I hope I have taught them that reward is worth the hard work.

What a Year!!!

This has been a wonderful year. I used to be afraid of getting older but God really brought peace to my life this year. I started this journey with three babies and by the time my youngest was nine, I was entering single parenting. By the grace of God, I have truimphed and although I know I have a long way to go, I know He will guide me and my decisions on this journey.

I will try and recap without being too boring. I turned 40 this year and I truly believe the Lord made my mind better when I hit the "new" 30s. I am more settled in my situation and I am at peace with where I am in my life. I think I can be a better person the more I educate myself so being in school is no longer a burden or a means to make more money, it is a privilege to grow and become a better Tracey. WOW! I cannot believe I just said that, but it is true. I must say my financial situation is still the same but I am sure everyone is feeling what I have been feeling for a while but once again, my mind tells me it is what it is and I just deal with it. Anyone who has been reading my blogs know that I got the chance to a see a friend I have not seen in over a decade and that made for a wonderful summer. My oldest son turned 16. That was great except he was bombing in his schoolwork and I had to make a decision to withdraw him from private school. It was a hard decision but it has paid off. My middle child grew so tall and handsome and his entire demeanor changed. He has matured and accepted his short comings. Instead of using them as an excuse, he is trying to succeed despite them. I am so proud to be his mom. My baby turned 13. The last child to become a teenager. That calls for another WOW! She did somethings that really made me proud of her. She donated birthday money to a cause and she refused to drop a class because she was not succeeding but she hung in there and improved her situation.

Last but definitely not least, he came. It was when I least expected and definitely not looking. I got off the shuttle meeting him for lunch, he bent down and tied my shoe. I needed to go to the dentist, he picked me up, sat in the waiting room for an hour and took me back to work. He is intelligent, articulate and he just amazes me everyday. You know sometimes when we focus on physical qualities; saying we want this type of man, that type of man, it is never a good thing. I wanted those qualities that are on the inside more so than the outside. I wanted someone who would be good to me, kind, faithful, honest and a man of integrity. I also wanted someone who would accept me as I am, independent, strong and on a path to being successful. Plus, he looks good. I had not given up on finding him but I can honestly say I wasn't looking. He has brought out the feelings that I put in the back of my mind years ago. He does not make me happy, he adds to the happiness I already have in my life and that is important. I am not sure what the future holds for us and I am enjoying the time I have now but I am looking forward to a future with him in it.

This rounds out my year. I have been blessed to have my children, family, education and love. I can honestly say turning 40 was a good thing. Thank you Lord for giving me this time of my life.

Associate's Degree Completed.

I have been saying that I am back in school trying to finish what I started twenty years ago and I reached the half way mark by completing my Associates Degree in Business Administration. I know that is a drop in the bucket for some, especially those who have advanced degrees but for me it was a great feeling. First, it felt like a 60 year old person getting their GED. Something that you did not think was possible but you did it. It has also given me the courage to move forward to by Bachelor's. I was at work and I pulled up my school site, which I do most days and I saw I had this certificate that said I demonstrated the skills required for CTU professional certificate in Management - Undergraduate Level. That was not expected. I wanted to cry. I still do because it was just something extra to add to my resume' and I know that a degree is not the only thing I am pursuing but professional certifications based on my curriculum. I also received a call from my advisor that stated that although my degree was an Associates I still graduated Magna Cum Laude. This is my biggest honor because in my 12 years of school and my two years of college between the ages of 18-20, I have NEVER achieved this. I was always the average student doing just enough to pass. I was okay doing just enough to graduate but I truly pushed myself to excel and it paid off. Not trying to sound conceited but I am proud of myself in a way I do not believe I can explain because in my mind I did not think I could do it but I am doing it. With three kids, a full time job and bills. I owe all of this to God, my Savior because, believe it or not, He has made this road bearable. He has kept me focused and He has blessed my finances that I will not consider dropping out. It has not been easy and there were times when I wanted to quit but the Lord gave me strength each day and I pressed forward. I pray for that strength in the next 15 months.

I had to do this online because of my family obligations but I can honestly say, Colorado Tech University has a learning environment that will make you think you are on an actual campus. They offer classroom chats where the instructor is teaching twice a week and you have friends, that will be a great network system. I hope to meet one of my classmates when I take my trip to Dallas. You can also join clubs. The thing I really enjoy about this learning environment is the real life scenarios that is taught. They are up-to-date on the issues in business. This has been good because at work we are doing most of the practices that are being taught. Sometimes I would take a scenario at work and apply it to school or vice versus. I can say, if you are considering online coursework, you should look into this. My admissions advisor was so encouraging and we still keep in contact although his part is over. Shoot him an email he will help you out.

12 days till Dallas...

Well for now back to the books...

Education and Marriage

Well, I had said that I was going to enroll in classes to finish my degree and I did. Funny, thing is I will not have a high tuition bill considering financial aid. I was so afraid of taking on another bill that I think I talked myself out of it most of the time. I was pretty shocked at my payments. Now, I am kicking myself for not starting sooner. I am going to do this I should be graduating at the same time my oldest is finishing high school and that will enable me to get a better position at my job and be comfortable while helping him get through college. I know it is not easy and I still will need to maintain my household but my children understand that this is something I "have to do".

I went to church this morning at Olivet Baptist Church and his sermon title was Why Did I Get Married? and for the single people, Why Should I Get Married? Of course with the release of Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? it was so fitting. Mainly he spoke to married people but what got me was when he was praying and he said for single people to place their hand over their heart if they are looking for someone. He also said if you are not right with yourself then you should not be looking for someone. I thought, "that is me!" I know I still have some things to work on for me. I felt so good about that because I know I have some growing to do. I want to better me before I allow someone in my life on that level. I know once I get my inner self together then God will give me someone who can enhance my life and be a true partner.

August and September

It is funny how school starts and I become an alien to my computer. It seems as if everything is a blur because there is school, work, activities, homework, school, work, activities, homework, etc.

I was talking to my cousin and she just completed her Master's degree online. I have always been leary of online courses. I wondered how they worked so I talked to her about it and I decided that instead of getting turned down for every position I applied for I need to finish and do it for real. I know my company have tuition reimbursement and all but I still had to figure out how to fit all of this in my busy schedule. I also needed to figure out how to pay for it. I looked online at work and found some of my employer's "preferred schools." One was Colorado Technical University Online. I emailed the guy for more information and he was very encouraging so I am going to start in November. One class of course, just to get used to it. I "should" be done in about 15 months.
I pray that I can do this because I need it. For my kids, I need it.

A friend of mine moved to the ATL last month and I miss her dearly. It was funny cause it wasn't like we hung out all the time, actually we only saw each other at work but she taught me so much. To look at her you would think she was mean as hell but I saw strength. She was the type of person that found happiness in herself and because of that she was able to attract a good man who was not scared of her independence. When I grow up, I want to be like her. I have had a couple months that was really hard for me and I didn't tell her about it. I thought about her strength through it all and I believe that is how I got through. That and a whole lot of PRAYER.

Well, I think this is it for now. So be breezy!

Choices & Sacrifices

Choice means the right, power, or opportunity to choose; option.

Sacrifice means to surrender or give up, or permit injury or disadvantage to, for the sake of something else.

I've had to make some changes in my life and I wondered did that mean it was a choice or was it a sacrifice. When I began educating my children, I placed them in public schools because I thought they were fine. I went to them, so what could be so bad. I even moved in the neighborhood I grew up in so that they could attend the schools I went to as a child. This was fine for a while. Areas began to re-zone and the make up of the schools were different. Once my eldest got to middle school, I started to notice. He was not doing as well as he should have done. I also noticed there was a lot more peer pressure than I thought there would be at that age. He truly hadn't grown a lot and that became an issue. He was not doing his work and what would aggrevate me was I didn't find out until it was close to report card. So by the time he was entering the 8th grade we took him out of public schools and put him into private school. Now, don't get me wrong, he still had his own faults which I still had to deal with but in the setting he was in when he did get lazy, we were notified right away. He also had to deal with being the new kid in an environment where most of these kids have been together since kindergarten. That was hard but I still believe the right choice was made. The following year all of my children were in private school and that is where the sacrifice came. It was hard financially and I have had to give up a lot because of it. I have lost a lot also and I hear the naysayers tell me different things like, there is no way I would pay more for my child's education than I pay for my car. I said your car means more to you than your child. They get stumbled and try to correct that but I got it. Then I have heard, why put that money into private school when you have to pay for college. I say, why put away money for college? If your child is not getting what they need in high school, they definitely will not be going to college. I can argue that point until I am blue in the face but I leave it at to each his own and until you walk down that rode then don't try to argue it. I can say this since I have made this choice, my children are being exposed to so much more than they would have gotten otherwise (creative thinking competitions, dance classes, etc.) I make sure they know they were not born with the right to attend private schools (meaning we are not rich) and their being there is due to sacrifices made by their parents. I hope my children will one day see it that I was trying to do this because I care about their future more than I care about a house, a car or clothes.