Non Traditional Student?

I am currently in school to complete my BA in Education. I am a Hygienist by trade but my first love is teaching which I currently do. I teach and am Director of a Dental Assisting course and I Instruct First Aid/CPR and AED classes for the American Red Cross. Both of which I enjoy immensely.


Because I work a full time gig, plus... I had no time to complete my degree but I always longed to. I was told by a friend, that it is possible to do it all online. That was unbelievable to me at the time. After doing research and weighing my options, I found it to be completely do-able... so I signed up!

I am now close to the finish line but it has been difficult to juggle family life, work and school. They all demand so much of me. I have had times where I have almost completely lost my memory... seriously. I must function on a pop-up calender or whatever needs to get done, wont! I am an avid procrastinator so I have the added tension of completing things at the last minute. Unfortunately, it works for me to a degree because I work well under pressure. Sad but true.


While the journey to completing my degree has been a challenging one, I wouldn't change a thing. I am enjoying it but on the other hand, I am looking forward to completing it. Although... I am giving serious consideration to going forward with a Masters. But I often ask myself, at what expense? I don't spend as much time with my family because of work and school already but on the other hand, the benefits in the end justifies the sacrifice. Or does it?

My children see me working hard and I am hopeful that I am a positive influence on them. I also hope that this journey will serve to encourage them to complete their education well before they start a family, which we discuss often.

I have always said that I consider my self a life-long student because I am always open to learning new things whether I am in a formal school or just the school of life, but should there be a limit to formal schooling when you already have a family established that needs your attention as a mother and nurturer?

What do you think?