Trying to figure out what you want to do when you grow up is a difficult task. For me, I knew immediately. I wanted to be a doctor. I found myself as a kid, always wanting to be the one who took care of people. My quick decision making and precision outweighed a disgust for blood.
However, when I went to apply to college the first time around, I found myself overwhelmed with a guidance counselor, who was never able to provide any sort of guidance. He went so far as to tell my parents that I wasn't applying to college, even though I had gone through the process of applying for sports scholarships. Essentially, he was useless, and I was stuck.
I ended up completing a semester at DelTech, a Delaware based community college. I found the classes underwhelming, with elementary school level English, a math lab that was impossible to access, and teachers who found their personal time more important than the progression of their students. So instead of wasting more time and resources on a subject I didn't particularly care for, I went into the work force, not realizing the addictive nature that a steady income creates.
Fast forward to 6 years later, sitting in my apartment, applying to a local college, trying to get my life back in order. I forgot how annoying the entire process is, completely draining any emotion out of the experience and amount of courage it takes to apply. Worrying that I'll be shoved into an "adult learning" program, designed for people who want to just achieve a basic degree.
The amount of paperwork involved is grueling as well. There are applications and entry essays, and not to mention the trip back to your high school to request a transcript, which I have still yet to do (I'm secretly hoping I can convince my sister, who is still in high school, to do it for me). Lets also not forget that it costs $40 to send your SAT scores, which are extremely outdated, and probably no longer relavant, to your selected school.
Unlike those people searching for degrees in multi-functional fields, I know exactly what I want to do with my life. However, as a mom, the dedication needs to be that much more attentive. I find myself stretching my life out already, living solely for my son. However, I feel as though completing a degree and then moving on to a doctorate, will prove to my son that, no matter what circumstances may occur, your dreams are always possible.