Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.



Active Topics || Favorites || Member List || Search || About Us || Help || Register || Login
Tea and Conversation
 4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Subject Topic: mothers finishing college Post ReplyPost New Topic
Author
Message << Prev Topic | Next Topic >>
insegnante
Forum All-Star
Forum All-Star


Joined: April 07 2006
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1143
Posted: May 04 2007 at 4:59pm | IP Logged Quote insegnante
I mentioned this in the "A Lady's Education" thread (hope it wasn't off topic.) I was just wondering if anyone else here has attempted to finish college, or to get more credits toward a degree, while raising and even homeschooling her children. I would love to hear your experience, if so.

As I mentioned in the other thread, I am trying to keep my priorities straight and don't think I have done a bad job of it. Which might explain why the only semester I've actually started classes since getting serious about this idea, I've felt the need to withdraw from both of them! But I am giving it another try this summer term with one online course and one lab science as conveniently scheduled as the lab sciences seem to get, and at a campus close to my home. I am more certain that the online course is workable but there is still time to drop the science with a full refund.

My most practical reasons for doing this now are: 1. Having an A.A. apparently will qualify me to homeschool under the least restrictive statute in Virginia (though I am not sure how much practical difference there is right now; but laws can change in either a more or a less restrictive direction, and my understanding is that my GED isn't considered a high school diploma in VA in spite of all the college work I've done since, and an A.A. will sub for the diploma I lack) and 2. The A.A. from VA's community college system should improve my 4-year college opportunities, and that will probably last even if there is a long break before I enroll in a 4-year school again (if I ever do.)

But there are a lot of less "certainly practical" reasons that I don't discount -- I just doubt that I'd be "acting now" based on those alone.

And I'd be thrilled to have all this interrupted by pregnancy, childbirth or the needs of a younger child who can't bear even a few hours of separation In the meantime, though, DH and I are agreed on doing what can be done toward this goal as long as it is properly prioritized. (He, btw, is one of those guys who has marketable skills and is accomplished in his field without a degree, and with very little college. He does computer things and other tech-type stuff... we seem to have mostly complementary and not highly similar brain types.)

Theresa
Back to Top View insegnante's Profile Search for other posts by insegnante
 
J.Anne
Forum Pro
Forum Pro
Avatar

Joined: Oct 24 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 303
Posted: May 04 2007 at 7:15pm | IP Logged Quote J.Anne
My mother finished a four year degree a semester before I graduated with mine. It was fun - we actually went to the same college for a semester or two. We (the six children) were older though - the youngest child was in junior high. I think she was 45 or so when she finally graduated. Pretty neat! She didn't homeschool, but she was a working nurse throughout to send us to Catholic school. Wow, I think I need to send her flowers.
I've thought about going to graduate school - a class or two at a time. I applaud you.


__________________
Jennifer
http://ascozyasspring.typepad.com
Back to Top View J.Anne's Profile Search for other posts by J.Anne Visit J.Anne's Homepage
 
CatholicMommy
Forum All-Star
Forum All-Star
Avatar

Joined: Feb 07 2007
Location: Indiana
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1254
Posted: May 04 2007 at 8:26pm | IP Logged Quote CatholicMommy
I've been attending school continuously since my son was born (he just turned three). For various reasons I was unable to complete my bachelor's degree at two different schools, so I'm finally finishing with another school with all of my remaining needed classes online.

During the time I was taking on-campus classes, my greatest blessing was solid and trusted childcare for my son. My schedule was always arranged such that even as an infant we were able to nurse right before and right after classes and the babysitters always had a minimum amount of work to do for him - things were kept low-key for the babysitters to maximize the likelihood of them covering a few more hours here and there for cram times (mid-terms, finals and term papers).

My son has learned how to read or draw quietly sitting next to me, and mostly not interrupt when I'm doing schoolwork (and I try to take regular breaks at short intervals to give him my undivided attention).

I have also been a single mother since my son was born and have to work full-time on top of going to school. I work out of my home doing childcare, tutoring and an online business, so the housework piles up at cram times...

the point is: it can be done. If you want to PM me, please feel free.
Back to Top View CatholicMommy's Profile Search for other posts by CatholicMommy Visit CatholicMommy's Homepage
 
KerryK
Forum Pro
Forum Pro
Avatar

Joined: June 30 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 265
Posted: May 04 2007 at 9:35pm | IP Logged Quote KerryK
I've been working on my master's degree since 2003. I found a really good online program, because I live in a really rural area, miles away from any graduate programs.   I've been in and out of the classes due to pregnancies and miscarriages, and, most recently, the birth of my son! It is all very low priority now, obviously! It will get done one of these days (or not! ) Either way...I'm learning a lot from it.

__________________
Kerry
Mom to
Matthew (10)
Mary (6)
New baby Samuel 2/26/07!
and 9 angels in heaven

The Eyes of My Heart
Back to Top View KerryK's Profile Search for other posts by KerryK Visit KerryK's Homepage
 

If you wish to post a reply to this topic you must first login
If you are not already registered you must first register

  [Add this topic to My Favorites] Post ReplyPost New Topic
Printable version Printable version

Forum Jump
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

Hosting and Support provided by theNetSmith.com