Many people may think it is weird or can even take away from my own experience, but it doesn't. In fact, it is pretty great! I am talking about going to college at the same time my mom is. And we also happen to be graduating at the same time too.
I say it is great because we swamp papers to edit, bit*h about fellow classmates and professors and share the exciting news of getting good grades. When she comes to visit me we study together sometimes. We help support one another through the shitty classes to the good grades we get.
It took a lot of courage for my mom to go back to college with three kids and working overtime at her job. What she is doing is amazing. I know she isn't just doing it for her family but she is also doing it for herself. It is making her not only a stronger person but a stronger mother as well. I am so proud of her for being able to be so strong during this busy time of her life. She has worked so hard to be were she is right now.
College is so difficult on everyone that participates but when you have a mother that is going through the same thing at the same time as you, she understands almost exactly what you are going through. That makes it easier for the both of us to share support and empathy with one another. We both know the struggles of being stuck in a group project where one of your classmates doesn't show up or they don't do the work. But when they do and you didn't expect it; it is a small victory!
We also know and shared the same anxiety over homework, professors and time management. Our biggest anxieties revolved around passing the courses. That is a big victory and we both passed all of our classes last semester. We both got to cheer one another on after we found out too! We were the first person we told when we found out!
It is almost like we are classmates but with different experiences. We are both in college and deal with a lot of the same struggles but we just are in different places and learning completely different things (expect for when I took biology).
I am such a proud daughter. My mom has only inspired me to do great things and follow my dreams, just like she did. Even if it takes me a little longer to truly find mine.
Because we both are attending college I have been able to watch my mother grow and learn just as much as I have. It is pretty amazing seeing how smart and strong she is. It is awe inspriing.
When she graduates this spring, I will be there for her to see her get her degree and she will be there for me to see me get mine. We will both be so proud of one another. I hope she feels the same way when I say that I couldn't have done it without her love and support. I can't wait to see my mom on her graduation day! I love you so much, Mom!