Spring Break and the Older Student
Posted March 13, 2012 by Julie Steenson
No bikinis for this forty-something
.trust me, this is a good thing! For me, spring break was an opportunity to catch up on housework and have the time to go to NY to visit my adult daughter. I had told myself that I would get ahead on schoolwork, and while I did do some, there was no getting ahead. After six intense weeks, my brain needed to ease up, and my non-school life needed some of my attention.
Photo credit: http://www.public-domain-photos.com/travel/big-sur/morro-beach-free-stock-photo-4.htm
If you read my first post, you saw that I had some misgivings about returning to school as a full-time student. I would like to revisit those initial thoughts now, halfway through the semester. It has been so invigorating to be in school. While I sometimes feel like I am drowning in a sea of acronyms, I am learning so much.
When I started the program full-time, I had quit my job, figuring that school, home, family, a long commute, and volunteer work would keep me busy enough. That was a good plan! When my volunteer work evolved into a job offer at my local library, I couldnt say no. A library job, however small, was still a library job! But the plan the plan .
Spring break came at the right time, as I needed to recharge the batteries and rethink my approach. For the person balancing work, family, and school, this is a very challenging program. Even during spring break, projects and midterm exams hung in the air, and I had online review sessions. An unexpected extended absence by a work colleague meant more work hours as the library team pitched in to cover the absence. My original plan had been good, but now that I am working, I think two courses at a time may be more appropriate for next semester.
So, if you are doing the great balancing act of spouse, kids, older parents and in-laws, along with work, and school, have a plan and build in some flexibility! My initial immersion has been challenging and rewarding, and this was a great way to start my academic life. Even so, I am looking forward to just one course this summer and a little more breathing room in my schedule in the fall.