Endings

Three of my friends are graduating this semester and I asked them to write about their experiences. All of them are women who, after working for many years, decided to return to school. In spite of their initial trepidation - whether it was the financial uncertainty or doubts about their determination and abilities - they faced their fears, plunged ahead, and have done exceedingly well. Perhaps you'll find inspiration or a little of yourself in each of their stories.

I admire these women for their courage and tenacity and appreciate them taking the time out of their insane schedules to share their experiences. I wish them many exciting beginnings as this chapter nears a close.

Language of Love

Susan Jackson, B.A. Honors Linguistics, Concordia University

I am a return-student to university. Every time I think of this, it stirs up a mixed bag of excitement and trepidation in my gut. We label ourselves, or we are coerced into doing so, and this one is mine for the time being. I have decided to don it with the pride of a Girl Guide. A 39 year old Girl Guide, without the cookies.

I threw myself into this endeavor when my corporate job and I began developing a mutual dislike for one another and I found myself wondering what I would have done if I could go back and start again. Several interests came to mind, so I literally just chose one, enrolled in an introductory class and bit my nails through the next few courses. I feared that by taking on a whole degree in linguistics, I was being capricious about my future and wasting my time. I am now a few weeks away from finishing a degree and I can't imagine what I was so afraid of.

Receiving the piece of paper at the end will be exhilarating however I have discovered many other side benefits. I have discovered a braver and more tenacious side of myself that I'd forgotten I had. I have also discovered that the widening of the world has an exponential effect on the widening of one's drive to dig deeper. I have found a fertile curiosity in myself to uncover as much of this world as I can, however small; through chance, initiative, deliberation and passion. Knowledge is power and gives you leverage. But it is also pure delight.

Helping Hands

Shawn McGee, B.S. Nursing, University of New Mexico

Anyone remember that old Talking Heads song, where Thomas Dolby asks, "How did I get here? This is not my life!" About 5 years ago I sat in an old Lower Manhattan office where I was regularly putting in 60-70 hours weekly feeling like I could have written that song. When I finished school the first time, I couldn't find my dream job in journalism so I settled for a decent paying corporate job until the right one arrived or I returned to school. Somehow 5 years later, nothing much had changed except my increasingly demanding work that did little for me besides build my bank account and leave me feeling a little hollow. How could this happen to the person who always planned to make the world a better place? I figured I had two choices: I could head into a deep, self-pitying state of depression or I could pursue my wildest dreams. Tough decision, I know. So I bought a plane ticket to the nearest tropical island, took a week off, and meditated and planned until I was completely clear on what I wanted to do and how to do it. I knew 2 things for certain: I wanted to be a nurse and I wanted to live in New Mexico near the mountains so I could go running in them each day. After that trip I saved every penny for about 2 years and packed my bags.

Interestingly, things were a little different than I imagined. I harbored fears that I may be in over my head. I mean, I gave up a very stable job and I was not exactly a wiz in math or science. The only thing I had was determination. Turned out, that was all I needed. While there were a few classes during my 3 year academic journey that I had to really put effort into, most were just a matter of applying the right amount of time to my studies. The things I have learned have been fascinating and rewarding on so many levels beyond what I could have ever imagined. As a side note, it was also interesting to find that all of the returning students did better than the younger students in every class.

Next month I will complete the program. It's so funny to think that I have been studying the last 3 years; it seems to have slipped by too quickly for that. My next goal is to work a few years before returning for my Master's degree. Sometimes I smile when I look back on my youth remembering when I wanted to do nursing then. I didn't because I lacked the determination and confidence. At this point, I realize those are some of the essential keys to happiness in my life.

Protector of the Planet

Cynthia Brown, M.S. Environmental Management, University of Maryland

After being urged, for at least 10 years, by colleagues and friends to go back to school, it has been one of the best things I've ever done. My only wish is that I'd done it sooner! My only real concern was the high cost. In spite of this, I took the "plunge" and never looked back!

I never had any doubt that I would be successful since learning has always been, and continues to be, an arena in which I excel. Along the way, I received a couple of President's Awards for outstanding scholarship and it's always a pleasant surprise when the professor holds up one's work as an example to the class.

The main reasons why this has been one of the best things I've done is:

* It is an area in which I excel.
* I have met people from all over the world.
* I LOVE LEARNING SO MUCH!

Although writing thesis-type papers every semester (some times 2 at a time) has gotten me very weary of that particular task, I know I will miss the wonderful, challenging learning experience once I graduate. I only hope I can find work that is as stimulating and interesting!