3 of 19

Write now Article Tools

MONDAY, 7:30 a.m.

Yet another hurried morning in our home. Did I finish everything I needed to do? Yep, I think. I put dinner in the crockpot, made the beds, and I started a load of laundry. My daughter actually got to the babysitter on time.

I'm off to work at the collections department at the bank. I have a full day ahead of me, and yet another busy week. Good - no lunch meetings today. That means I can study one last time before my test for class tonight.

I'm sure it will all be worth it six months from now, when I finish my bachelor's degree in business. I'll have more job opportunities, and I can move up several pay grades. Plus, with my company's tuition reimbursement program, it would have been foolish to by-pass the opportunity to finish my degree.

MONDAY, 6:30 p.m.

I have a few minutes to take notes. It's always such a mess, trying to get to class after work. Rush hour traffic never cooperates, as I get my daughter home to spend the evening with her dad. At least it's quiet now, as everyone finishes their tests.

Looking around, I realize just how much older I've become. It's funny - I never consider myself middle age, as I still feel like high school hasn't really been that far back. But looking at the few 18-year olds in my class, I do feel 40.

It's easy to pin-point the career adults in the class. Rushed from work, most of them are still in business clothes, and even one in a mechanic's uniform. I enjoy this mixture of students though, as the younger students bring a different, more diverse, perspective.

While everyone works hard, those of us who have been in the workforce for a number of years seem to be more serious about our education. We tried a number of jobs or careers, and we're much more focused. We have a better sense of what we'd now like to accomplish.

I might as well make my to-do list for home tonight. Do dishes, tuck my daughter in bed, finish that last load of laundry (maybe two?), and read two chapters of Business Strategic Management.

TUESDAY, 5:00 p.m.

Stuck in rush hour traffic again. Why did I choose a school so far away? Choosing a four-year university was important to me. It's a respected university for my area, and several of the managers who have been promoted at the bank are university graduates. Also, this university was able to accept all of my credits from my associate's degree.

WEDNESDAY, 12:00 p.m.

Did I really forget I had homework due tonight? Trying to eat salad in the company's break room while finishing homework is not the best arrangement.

THURSDAY, 7:00 p.m.

I was asked to join a book club here at the university. While it was tempting, I had to turn it down. There just doesn't seem to be any time left in my week.

FRIDAY, 8:30 p.m.

Finally, a chance to relax. I was going to watch a movie but after paying bills, vacuuming the living room, and doing dishes, I fell asleep almost as soon as it began.

SATURDAY, 9:00 a.m.

No sleeping in for me this morning. It's my last and final class of the week. It's always a little more relaxed on Saturday mornings. Everyone seems rested from Friday evening, and there's no business attire on these mornings as well.

Hopefully, I can catch up with everything this weekend. I have that paper due next week, the yard needs mowed, and I have a presentation at work on Monday morning.

At least I can see the end goal. Now, only five months and three weeks until graduation.

Learn more about this author, Starla Ross.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Testimonies: The diary of an adult university student?
We want to hear your view. Write now!