I Think I Wanna Go Back To School

This post has been moved over from another blog. I've included the comments below.


Ok, what do you think about this??? (Nevermind that I don't know who "you" are...this is kinda like "Dear Diary"....)

I've been back and forth to school several times since leaving college when I was 20. I have this desperate hunger to learn---I feel like I'm bored and wasting a decent brain if I'm not learning regularly. So, am I just destined to be like Lindsey's friend, The Lifetime Student??

I mean, what will happen when I finally do graduate with a degree of some sort? Will my thirst for knowledge then be satisfied? I've got a good 20 years here at home...and that's assuming that I won't have anymore kids to extend that 20 year time span...(which I'm sure will not be the case).

Is it possible to have your own life running concurrently with that of your kids? Do I really have to wait until they're all grown and out of the house before I pursue some of my dreams?? OR--is there room for me to be going after my dreams while still keeping up on my responsibilities??

Now I'm making it sound like I don't have any "family dreams" and that's not true at all...realistically, I want it all to run concurrently. But is that possible?? What do you think? (Yes, this is the part I want comments on!!! :)

One thing that I keep telling myself is that there are other states (and countries) where a parent must possess a degree to be allowed to homeschool their kids without government interference. While that's not the case yet here in Oregon, it could someday be...or who's to say we'll stay in Oregon forever? I still have dreams of living in Canada someday!!

So, I guess I need to listen to my husband's answer that he gives everytime I talk to him about this. I need to make a decision and stick to it either way. So, help me out here diary (and real people), give me some feedback!

Lindsey said...
I think as moms we make a ton of sacrafices for our families. A lot of times we take great joy in doing that, but we still have to have a piece of ourselves. And that means following our dreams. As long as our dreams don't overtake the family priorities then I think it is awesome to pursue them. It keeps us feeling alive.And as for being a lifetime student, I think if you go into it knowing you love to learn then great. My friend has a phobia of "real life". She simply goes to school because it is comfortable and if she graduates she has to get a job and face growing up. BIG difference between you and her, lol.
March 1, 2008 1:05 PM

Char said...
It's the balancing act we all struggle with, isn't it? Especially homeschooling Moms. Do I have to give up "me" in order to do this?(That's one of those rhetorical questions we all have to answer our own way.)Personally, I love to learn too. I feed my brain by reading things on the internet and in books. I get mini-obsessions and learn all I can about the subject (although I don't go as far as some of us ;-)). I don't feel the need to be in school to learn. But, that said, if a degree is important to you- that piece of paper that says "You Did IT!" then go for it but realize it may take awhile so enjoy the journey.
March 1, 2008 8:16 PM

Jules said...
I am with Char because I also love to learn and I obsess about things until I figure it out and then move on, I LOVE to learn as well but I did not like the resricted part of school and the workloads. I still have NO idea what I would go back to school for (except maybe cosmatology/hair etc)I think life is one big learning experience so I am not feeling at this point I need to go back to school. Although a degree might be nice.I love how my dreams get to change, I can be anything I want to, I can change my roles with the seasons and happenings in our families. Isn't it funny how we really have a lot of freedom to persue anything we want to really and we end up finding excuses like $, kids, husbands etc, whereas if we really really wanted to do something we'd find a way,:) HAHA
March 2, 2008 4:42 PM

Audra Marie said...
I think God gives us dreams, but sometimes they aren't for now. There are seasons and maybe your hearts desire is for another season or maybe not even for this side of heaven (if all our dreams came true here, why would we long for 'home')? It's important to pray and seek His will always.That being said. In the natural side, we should write down what our dreams for our families, and for ourselves. As long as we keep our priorities in line with God's will and our desire for our family, I think we can fit in pursuing our goals, too.I'm taking a writing course this month because it fits with my dreams, I'm able to do it in this season of my life, and it feeds my need to learn. :) That's just one example.I couldn't go to college outside of my home, but I can certainly take courses via the internet and still do what is a priority for my family - educate them, train them, love ON them, etc. :)There will come a time too soon where my kids don't need me and I'll have a lot of time to go after my dreams more. For now, I do it in snippets as I can.Just my thoughts. :)
March 5, 2008 5:34 PM