A few months I posted about how I was toying with the idea of continuing on with my education after I complete my Master's degree and go after my doctorate.
When I mentioned it I had a few people tell me how hard it would be with a small child, which I completely understand. However, I also feel that having kids shouldn't be a reason to not complete the goals that you set for yourself. So, with that being said I have decided to pursue my doctorate. I will complete my Master's in May and we will be moving shortly after that, but we will only be in our new home for a year.
As of right now I plan to begin this process in Summer 2018. We will be at our new duty station (fingers crossed for Fort Lewis haha) and Emersyn will be almost 2 years old, so that seems like a great time to me to start. I am excited to begin this journey and see where it takes me.
I never thought that I would have the desire to continue my education in this way, but I have a true desire to work with children, especially military children. It is going to be challenging, overwhelming, but also rewarding, and I can show Emersyn that no matter how long you wait you can still achieve the goals you have set for yourself no matter what.
Have you ever accomplished something that others said you couldn't do?
You should definitely go for it! I also want to go back to school to get my masters but a few friends discouraged me saying it would be too hard. I had another sweet freind send me a quote that I hope will also encourage you! "When someone tells you it can't be done, it's more a reflection of their limitations, not yours."
ReplyDeleteYES! I love this! Go for your dreams! You will be showing E so much by accomplishing what you want too!
ReplyDeleteI think going after your education as an adult is very rewarding. You have some life experience to apply your knowledge and the understanding becomes deeper. I'm not sure people told me I couldn't do school as an adult but there were a few who thought it was a waste of time. And now I'm planning to go back and again dealing with the nay sayers. Oh well. It's my life, not theirs. Right?
ReplyDeleteI love that goal!!! Andy and I were just talking about your desire to get your Doctorate yesterday when we were talking about me using his GI bill. I'm using myCAA to pursue a HR certification, and will continue taking myCAA courses until I can use his GI Bill to start a second Bachelor's in Human Resources in 2018.
ReplyDeleteOh yes! I had an ex who said I would never be a runner. I ran a 5k once we broke up! Take that!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you're obtaining all your goals. You are a go getter!! Life doesn't end when you have a child. My mom ran her own business and worked in a pretty competitive male oriented field while I was little. And she made me help in the business lol!
You are awesome!!!! :) Never say never, right?! :)
DeleteGood for you!!! That's so awesome.
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing by the way. Haven't been to your blog in a week or so. Can't believe it's almost time for E to make her appearance!!
Go girl! I feel like not going after your own goals after having kids is an excuse. Good for you for being a great example to your daughter! (I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get Lewis ;) )
ReplyDeleteAmazing news! I think you're being very sensible in how you're pacing things and I totally think you can achieve it. You've got the right motivation and good support, so you're in the best possible position to succeed! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI think it's awesome that you want to keep going with your education! An undergrad was enough for me, but I totally admire your determination. The thing about kids is, they nap and they play by themselves and they go to bed early. You'll be fine! Busy, but fine. I think you'll make an awesome Dr Jen.
ReplyDeleteI think that's a great goal and that you should totally go for it! I think that too many times people tell you that you can't do something because you have kids. Even though it might be harder to achieve those goals, having kids doesn't make those goals unachievable.
ReplyDeleteGood for you!
ReplyDeleteWhoop whoop! But OF COURSE you should go after your dreams...! It will be hard with a child, but since when is life easy? You are truly an inspiration and you will be/are an amazing role model for Emersyn and me!! <3 <3
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite things to do is something others have said I can't! You go for it!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome, I think it's great that you are pushing forward with your goals.
ReplyDeleteI'm on a two-year stay from my doctorate. I have all my classes completed, and I just have to get the dissertation done. My life blew up though, without my knowing what was coming, so we're repairing. 1 year in, and we still aren't set, but we're better. We'll be good again soon, and then I'll be ready to finish. Everyone says to just let it go. Life's different now, I don't need it, blah blah blah, but I have gotten this far, why would I give it up if I didn't have to, at the very last stretch??? Me thinks nuh uh!
ReplyDeleteSomeday we'll both be calling each other Dr. :)
I think there's no reason why you couldn't get your doctorate. Little kids get on a schedule and then you'd be able to do school work and balance playtime. Plus you're so motivated, I think it would be a breeze for you!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you! YOU can do anything you put your mind to! xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so glad you made the decision to pursue doctoral education - what an example to set for your daughter about hard work, dedication, perseverance and education. I also love that you want to support military kids - its one of my passions too after growing up a military kid!
ReplyDeleteBeen there and done that. I finished my master's degree while pregnant with my last baby when everyone said I was being "selfish". I completed my doctorate degree while working full time, 5 kids at home, and once again being told I "couldn't" get it done. I showed all of them. I completed my doctorate degree in 2 years and 10 months. You can do anything you set your mind to. Best advice I got for my doctorate degree: Don't try to change the world, just keep it simple and get it done. :-) Not that it was easy. Oh my heavens no it wasn't easy, and I wanted to quit so many times. BUT I had amazing support from my husband, and that made all the difference. You can do it!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! Your drive is so impressive - I'm excited to follow along on your journey :) I've thought about going for my doctorate, but then I can never nail down what I would go for. So proud of you!
ReplyDeleteGo get it! I feel like I hear this all the time being a military spouse. It seems like you can't follow your dreams when you are always moving around but this year I decided to just chase them anyway. I'm excited to see where this takes you.
ReplyDeleteYes!! There's no reason you shouldn't go for it. Kids make it hard, sure, but not impossible. I finished my Masters while Joey was still small and I know it'd be easier if he has been older - around 2 ;)... By this age they start getting on a schedule so you can plan your days much better!
ReplyDeleteYou go girl!!!! There is no reason kids should stop you, do they make it a little more challenging? Yes. But you can totally do it! Everyone said I wouldn't finish my degree when I had Ace, and then got pregnant with Pierce rather quickly. It was so hard, but I graduated with two babies by my side! You really appreciate the hard work. And you are amazing for having such a want to do it.
ReplyDeleteGood for you Jen~! I've taken the last several years off of work but now as Griffin grows I am finding myself ready to get back to it. Hopefully I will have some opportunity next year. Hope you are feeling well- I know these last few weeks last f-o-r-e-v-e-r!!
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing!
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