Next Semester

I AM SO PUMPED!!!!!

I had my call with my academic advisor this morning, and I was very nervous before the call, but felt so much better about things after I talked to her.  I am only considered part time this session.  I have one class next session, so I will still be spending about 3 hours or so a day on the computer for school.  However, it is one class instead of two.  FYE is not considered a full time course and as such should only take about 2 hours a week to do what is necessary for the class. 

So next semester, because I want to get my degree finished as quick as possible, I'm going 3/4 time.  That means I will have two full classes for the first 7.5 weeks, and one the following session or the last 7.5 weeks.  I was also approved for a Pell grant this time, and will get student loans for what that does not cover.  Registration for the next semester is the end of April first of May, and then next semester starts on June 22. 

It was funny sort of, Amy Stokes, my academic advisor asked how it was going.  I told her all was okay, but I still had some of the fear factor that I would be able to accomplish my goal.  She asked if it was my classes or did I not understand something.  I told her that if you get right down to the crux of the problem, I felt it was my age.  I told her I felt like I was the oldest in the class.  She laughed and said not at all.  That the majority of the classes online are professionals in jobs or people that are returning for degrees or changing professions.  She said very few online students are those right out of high school.  That made me feel a lot better. 

So I have a small break during session 1 and 2, but I'm going to use it to read  ahead in my book, and to review math.  I do have one more math class but it probably will not be until 3rd semester, which starts in October.  Thank God I have a great support group of family and friends.  Otherwise I probably would still be wobbling on whether or not to do this!  I'm going to try to get my degree as quickly as possible.  So please keep supporting me and praying for me.

Love, L

Returning to School at 48

So once again it snowed here on Friday, February 4th.  I had to wear rubber boots in order to walk over to the church to work because the snow was too deep for my tennis shoes.  Anyway, I worked for a little over three hours on Friday, and came home to work on completing registration for online school.  I was not able to get a pell grant but I was approved for student financial aid.  The semester starts on March 2, 2011 and I heard from my admin today and he said he would have my schedule for me in the next couple days.  While I am very excited because God worked it out for me to go to school, I'm also a little scared that I won't be able to handle it. 

However, I know it will all be okay.  I truly am excited about getting my accounting degree!  This is the beginning to a new life where financially after school we will be much better off.  We are still looking at selling my car since I will be attending online.  There could be some issues with us not having a second vehicle but for the short run, it would truly be better. 

While being a dog trainer is something I still want to do, I'm going to use most of my time for the accounting degree and trying to get it finished as quickly and monetarily possible.  I'm reading up and watching some dog training videos and plan to practice on my dogs. 

That's the plan for now any ways!  Everyone have a blessed day and week!

L

Just a Little Catch Up

I took Friday, January 28th off as it was my daughter's 25th birthday and we spent most of the day together.  It was fun!  It has been a long time since I've had a girl's day and it was much enjoyed.  We ate lunch at Chili's (so yes I have to start my weight loss over) and we went to the movies and saw "The Rite" with Anthony Hopkins.  All and all it was a good day. 

Also on Friday morning I did a little research on schools that offer accounting degrees online.  Why? Well I took an aptitude test on Thursday and it said that I should be an accountant.  Which as I think about it, I took it for two years in high school and it was something I truly enjoyed.  I do like numbers.  So I found a few schools, but the top one listed was Bryant & Stratton.  So I requested admissions info and received a call within an hour. 

I received everything I need by email to apply, request transcripts, get financial aid, and I have to complete a short essay.  The fear of doing something and completing it, and changing my career or what was my career for 24 years is a little much.  The thought keeps going through my head, "Can I actually do this?"  If I do school full time, each semester is 15 weeks, divided in to two 7.5 week, and you only take two classes for each 7.5 week period.  I have to test in math and English to see where they will place me, but in 20 months I can have an accounting degree. 

Also this past week, I've decided to sell my car.  I walk to work, and we do have the truck so it's not like we won't have a vehicle.   It will just have to come home and be here for the weekends so I can run all errands.  This is really all very much a life changer in the works.  I also know that this is a change from being a teacher, but my sanity won out on that one.  I'm a good self-starter and it doesn't bother me to work alone, so being a bookkeeper or keeping books for a few small companies would not bother me. 

The cost is pretty steep as for as the degree, but if it is suppose to be, God will take care of it.  If it is not suppose to be, there will be obstacles that cannot be overcome.  So my journey starts by sending the paperwork back and I plan to do that on Monday after work. 

If we can make this all come together for the next few months, then life will definitely be better financially and we will be able to get some things done, including moving to be closer to my kids when the time comes.  I just need to stay focused and work at the church and do school.  I will be able to work at my own pace and I have one on one tutoring if i need it.  So friends, family and followers, please say a little prayer for us, me.  We always need prayers, but needing a little extra as we face this next challenge.

Have a God filled Weekend!
Love,
L