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| Cambridge College, MA: School of Education, National Institute for Teaching Excellence and School of Psychology and Counseling |
Believe it, or not, tonight marks the end of my first year of graduate school. Can you say, "W-E-P-A!"? If only my last final weren't a freaking oral exam, in front of my peers, I'd be skipping down the street with a cup of coffee right now. :-)
To be honest, I'm still trying to figure out how the heck I crammed so much into what I thought was a busy schedule, five classes: Intro to Counseling, Counseling in Schools, Professional Seminars I and II and Counseling Techniques, a research project, a 75-hour pre-practicum, two stressful jobs, and the MTEL (which I passed!) ... yeah, the thought, alone, gives me heart palpitations.
But I did it, and I would do it all over again, con gusto, because of how much I've grown.
I tell you all this not to pat myself on the back, but to encourage YOU, if you're thinking about going back to finish school, or to pursue an advanced degree TO JUST DO IT. Don't over-think it. We can talk ourselves out of the best growth opportunities with just a little self-doubt and fear of the unknown.
It's a tough lesson to learn: The only barriers in life are the ones we build for ourselves.
Have you gone back to school, or are you thinking about it? If you're on the fence, what's holding you back?
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| The morning I drove 45 mins to take the MTEL. I've been a notoriously bad standardized test-taker all my life. I'm convinced that the reading and writing I've been doing the last few years were the best preparation. *relief* |
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| "Cambridge College is a microcosm of America's future." Hugh Price, President NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE |
Hi Ezzy,
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I know the feeling... finishing the 1st year of grad school. But I remember taking a summer course, so it wasn't as sweet as your end of the year victory.
It's hard but rewarding! I'm chipping in your recommendation to your readers to actually go an do it. When I met my husband, a LONG time ago ;) I was a student back in Uruguay. My school shut down to protest against the government and that was that for my law studies. I moved to the US and had a kid before going back to finish my BA. Once I started, I didn't stop until I was done with grad school! Now, the last level (as my son likes to call it) is in the back of my head EVERY day. We'll see about that one...
Once again, I'm so happy for you and now enjoy your well-deserved summer recess!
You are amazing E. I don't know how you have so much energy. I'm proud of your accomplishments and inspired by your words. I don't think there's anything you can't do.
ReplyDeleteMaybe someday, but not in the near future, I'll pursue a masters degree but not until I'm ready to commit wholeheartedly.
I am so proud of you and your determination. I am happy to call you a friend.
ReplyDeleteI cannot even begin to tell you how much of an inspiration you are. I am so proud to call you my Amiga! You have taught me so much already and continue my education was one of those things I getting ready to pursue once again thanks to you. I know it hasn't been easy but I know you will continue to fight thru each class and I can't wait till you write the post where you share you have accomplished your degree!!! Echale much as ganas!
ReplyDeleteSilvina, thank you for your sweet words and for sharing your story. How difficult it must've been for you to see your school closed down. It takes a lot of determination to pick-up midstream -- congratulations for sticking to it. It's tough, but worth every ounce of sweat when you can look back on your accomplishment and the good you can do with it. As for the "last level" -- I say, "Go for it!" :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Letty, that means a lot to me. I think its interesting that when I'm in the middle of the tempest, I lose sight of all the chaos. That's probably a good thing, huh? Otherwise, I'd be like, "Whut?" I want you to know that YOU inspire me. You're a wonderful teacher who's home-schooled two lovely, well-behaved young ladies and leaders. <3
ReplyDeleteThe feeling is mutual, Adri. xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou're gonna make me cry, Amiga. It hasn't been easy (*lol* you've heard me complain "live") and there have been days that I've questioned my sanity, but, still, wouldn't change it. You will go back and you will KICK BUTT, because you're a talented and intelligent young woman with great ideas. Gotitas in a bucket, that's all it needs to be. Before you know it, that bucket will be full. Abrazos, Ruby.
ReplyDeleteW E P A!!!! CONGRATULATIONS Ezzy!!!!! I'm so proud of you. You are definitely an inspiration amiga. You really are amazing. (....and pretty awesome with time management, in order to fit that all in!) Again, very inspired by all you are accomplishing. Sending you a huge congratulatory abrazo!
ReplyDeleteProgress!!! Ezzy, a heartfelt congratulations to you!!!! So proud. End of 1st year drinks are in order :)
ReplyDeleteMujer- go ahead and pat yourself on the back; it's WELL DESERVED!!!
ReplyDeleteAbrazos, ^ 5 and BB2U
Wow! Congratulations! That is an amazing feat - I entertained the thought many times, but honestly writing papers and testing just scares me away! I guess it also doesn't help that I have a work-from-home full time job that suits me so well I'm not sure why I'd pursue more education/education debt (sad, but true)!
ReplyDeleteAmiga, I am so proud of you, muchas, muchas felicitaciones. You did it! I intend to pursue a Master's Degree and to be honest, I've thought about it for so long, I could of have graduated by now. But, I will do it. I congratulate you on this huge achievement and encourage you to continue to move forward. And yes, I will totally say WEEEEPA! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome Ezzy! Good job. I love to be a student and go to school I will go back for a master at some point. I went to law school in Guatemala and then study Econ here so I hope to continue on the path of formal education even though for now I'm on the informal one lol!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tara, your words mean a lot to me. As far as being awesome with time management ... highly suspect! *lol* I have the dust bunnies to prove it. Sending a hug back to you, Amiga. xxx
ReplyDeleteBesos, BB! :-)
ReplyDeleteBianca, I know exactly what you mean about the writing and testing. I felt the same, then I started and saw that all the other students were in the same situation as me. Kudos for finding work that you can do from home and that you are passionate about and find fulfilling. That is an inspiration! <3
ReplyDeleteGracias, Amiga. I'm glad we got to catch up the other day. We're very alike, you know. Like you, I "admired" the prospect of going back from afar and kept psyching myself out. I think what finally pushed me over the edge was turning 43. Life's challenges will always be there. Lo vas hacer! xoxo
ReplyDeleteSofia, if I could afford it, I'd be a professional student. : -) You're one of the smartest women I know. With both law and economics under your belt (and journalism!), there's no stopping you. Te admiro. <3
ReplyDeleteWEEEPAAA!!! So proud of you and your accomplishments, Ezzy! And look at the inspiration you are to so many--you are amazing! Right now you are inspiring women to believe in themselves, and soon you are going to change the lives of so many young people, inspiring them too. Celebrate and enjoy yourself this summer! Looking forward to your future posts about year 2 of grad school, graduation, and a new job in education :) You're going to do amazing things, my friend! xoxox
ReplyDeleteWOW... CONGRATS AMIGA!!! I'm so proud of you!!! You're amazing!!! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteKisses and Blessings!
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