Returning to School

This can be a very scary thing to think about. It took a long time for me to make the decision to return to school. As an adult, there are already lots of stresses. Between raising children, if you have them, paying bills, working, and keeping relationships going, who has time to add one more thing? Those things already take up A LOT of time. Throw in owning a network marketing business too. I thought that I was already stretched to the max, but I felt like I was finally ready. For me, it wasn't a matter of getting a degree to help gain a new job. The reason I went back to school is because I was becoming bored with life. I wanted to set an example for my children. Most of all I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. Education has always been emphasized as being important in my family. I went to college, initially, when I graduated high school, but didn't finish.  I decided that if I'm going to be preaching education to my children, they have to see me completing the journey. After all, we can't all be reality show stars.

I enrolled at Baltimore County Community College in Essex (http://www.ccbcmd.edu/) for Fall semester 2015.  
   

 I must say, I did pretty well for myself. I started off by enrolling part time. I wanted to make sure that I would be able to handle all of my regular duties as well as my academic duties. I ended the semester with a 4.0 GPA and acceptance into the Honors program. This came with hard work, lots of studying, missing sleep at times, and some sacrifices on my family's part. I feel good about my decision so far and am excited about the Spring semester starting in February! Wish me luck.

 Here's some Josie Tips on returning to school:

• Before making a decision, evaluate your lifestyle. Have a conversation with family and friends you may need to depend on during your academic career. Set clear goals and make sure everyone is on board. Let them know what they can do to help. Most of them will be happy to provide some type of support. 

• Choose your learning style. I chose to do on campus learning in a classroom setting, but many people choose online learning first. See what's offered at the location you choose to go to. Sometimes combination classes are offered where you can do online and classroom on certain days.           

• Start part-time. Don't overwhelm yourself by jumping in over your head. Try one or two classes to see if you can handle the workload. Then gradually add a class  or two each semester, provided it does not interfere with your work schedule.

• Apply for funding. Usually, I'm one of those people who never qualify for any programs. I applied any way and found that this was a program I qualified for. A pell grant through financial aid paid for my classes and I was able to learn without financial stress. Also, don't forget to apply for scholarships. Lots of them are offered by local businesses, local delegates, alumni, and the college/university itself.

• Find a quiet place. Whether it is at work, home, the library, or your car, find a place that you can routinely go to for studying, writing, and completing assignments. Set aside time for school work. The best thing to do is start early and study regularly.

•  Make a decision! No matter what, do not stop until you finish your program or degree. Meet with advisors. Make yourself known to your professors. Participate in discussions in class and school events, if possible. Check to see if there are groups on campus to support students in your position. If not, it's always possible to create one.

• Stay positive! Ask questions. Professors usually have office, email, and/or phone hours. Please take advantage. It is the not the professor's intent to fail a student. If you fell like you are not grasping the concept of the class, ask for help! 

• Have fun! Enjoy your classes. See what you can take away from them and apply to life. The most interesting thing I found is that most of the classes seemed to connect to each other in some way and I was able to apply certain things to my lifestyle. Be open to the experience. You will experience fear, stress, and, hopefully, triumph. Embrace this new step forward in your life.