Here We Go Again!

This week many of us begin a new semester – some of us for the first time. I remember beginning my college journey and not thinking about the 114 credits I needed to complete my bachelor's degree. I was more excited about just getting started. During my quest there have been times when my goal seemed impossible and so far off. But in just five short years I have done it, and now I have just one semester left!

Attending college as an adult means going to school while other people are enjoying leisure time. We convince ourselves to wait until the end of the semester to have our free time. You would think this would make us appreciate it even more, but sometimes it can be hard to adjust. During the recent holiday break I kept busy planning family gatherings, shopping, and wrapping gifts, but after New Year's I found myself with too much time on my hands. However, starting today I will have no problem deciding what to do with my leisure time – I will once again be involved with reading assignments, group projects, and writing papers. I will once again have a purpose. When you become a college student as an adult it can be difficult to relax and enjoy time off.

Last week my husband and I went to Florida to visit my in-laws, who have had many years to fine tune their leisure time. These two are from the generation of gold watches and pension plans. They didn't need a college degree to have a well-paying job – just 45 years of commitment to one employer. As I sat in silence having coffee one morning I heard the clock on the wall: tick, tick, tick, and realized how time is always passing us by, no matter where we are or how old we are. I thought about the five years it has taken me to complete my college degree and I realized not once did I waste any of my time. During my time in Florida it was hard for me to adjust to the leisure life of my in-laws. Being with them made me realize how motivated I am to begin a new semester and complete my degree.

I enjoy spending time preparing for life with college. There is a place in my home for doing homework and keeping my school books. For each class I purchase a spiral notebook for taking notes and a pocket folder to keep important papers. My organizational skills shine as I plan meals for the week and shop for healthy snacks to bring to campus with me. It is important to have a book bag that zips at the top to protect textbooks and papers from the winter weather, along with a warm coat, gloves, hat, and waterproof shoes for my walks on campus. But most of all, I have a positive attitude about what I am doing with my life.

Five years ago I had no idea how going to college would change who I am. As a college graduate I am facing a slow economy and a tough job market, but I'm not worried. I am excited about sharing with my future employer all I have learned these past five years. I have turned my leisure time into an education and now have so much to offer. I hope college life does the same for you. Have a great semester!

Roxanne