Back to School!

[Mintstripes]

Hi everyone!

I feel like so much has changed in just half a year.

I am happy to have this space to connect and discuss.

Anyway, I started grad school remotely this fall and it's going great! I was nervous about going back to school after nearly 15 years, but it has given me a huge boost and I'm finally doing something productive to change my life.

[blunk]

That's great! Congratulations on making yet another big change to better your life!

[Associate of Daniel]

Good on you, Mint!  Enjoy your new found confidence.

AOD

[Andeza]

Only you (said smokey the bear style) can change your future!

Good for you! And I'm so happy to hear that you're already feeling that boost of knowing you're doing some amazing and wonderful for yourself.
You'll go far, and don't let anybody tell you otherwise. We've got the cheer section covered. 

[Boat Babe]

Studying as a mature adult is brilliant. All the fun of learning with the advantage of experience, wisdom and the skills of someone your age. I absolutely loved my University years in my early thirties. The learning never stops! Very best of luck.😁

[JollyJazz]

Mintstripes- that is awesome! 😎
It really will open doors and create new opportunities. I'm thrilled for you! Talk about taking control of your life!!! 

I definitely see my graduate training as one of the highlights of my life. It has opened a lot of doors for me. I endured poverty while I studied (my brother got his fees and other things paid for) but I pulled myself through it, and boy was it worth it!

So I can definitely say, go for it, it's well worth it. Not just in terms of earning potential but also a confidence boost for those of us who have been downtrodden, picked on as well financially controlled.

[Mintstripes]

Thanks everyone!

Jolly - You bring up a good point. I endured financial control and abuse in my FOO and with my UnPDxh. Now, I get to do things on my own terms. When I was an undergrad, my parents paid for community college yet CONSTANTLY held it over my head and used it to control and threaten me while I still lived with them.

I feel really good about getting a second lease on my studies without their involvement or knowledge, even.

[JollyJazz]

Hi Mint,

Yes I endured the same thing as an undergraduate. You should have seen the erm, humble little place I lived in as a graduate student! But I had my very own space (well, until UBPDM and UPDF found it and barged in randomly shouting) but I pulled my way through and my goodness it has been worth it 😌

It's just wonderful to have that independence. I love having my own career and financial independence 💕 I certainly went through hardship to get it but it was worth it.

Best of luck Mint! I'm thrilled for you 😊

[Mintstripes]

Thanks Jolly! It is a sacrifice.
I am planning on going for my PhD after this degree in a few years so definitely in it for the long haul even though I'm not "young" anymore but I feel really good about this path. I was miserable at all the busywork office jobs I have been doing to support myself all my life and the pandemic forced things to change for me.

Here's to great ambitions and success! And independence!