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The Hurdles Are Many

"The plant's closing. In two weeks I'll be out of a job," My husband gathered the pages scattered on the table. "Honey, calm down. This isn't a bad severance package." "I know; it will even pay for me to go to college. What, I'm supposed to do forget work and go back to school at 43, with a teenager to raise and a husband who is busting his butt trying to get a new business off the ground?" My husband's next words floored me. "Why not?"

Hence, frightened, unsure, and a bit skeptical, I began my college career. The journey has not been easy. I expected the normal challenges of juggling home and college. What I didn't anticipate were the unforeseen challenges; like my husband having emergency quadruple bypass surgery, leaving us with virtually no money coming in for six weeks. Then suddenly I was thrown into the role of caretaker for my mother-in-law when she had to go on kidney dialysis. We were very close and so I rearranged my class schedules and for three hours a day, three days a week I sat next to her dialysis machine and held her hand, while studying for finals and working on homework assignments. When she passed away, I was ready to quit. Again, my husband came to my rescue. "You can do this; you deserve it," His encouragement and belief in me was all the motivation I needed.

With a renewed spirit, I stepped further out of my comfort zone and began competing in State competitions for PBL, VICA, and the Honor Society. Again, I found myself faced with another dilemma. My daughters Junior- Senior Prom was scheduled for the same weekend I was to compete at State. For me, missing my daughters' prom night was not an option. However, my daughter did not it see it that way. "You always said I should never start something unless I'm willing to see it through, especially when others are counting on you. You're going to the competition," she told me.

I will never forget that bus ride. I felt like the worst mother on earth. I curled up on the back seat wiping away at the tears wondering how I could have ever gotten on that stupid bus. I was like a child on the first day of kindergarten. All I wanted to do was go home. After a sleepless night, I joined the group of excited, anxious students waiting their turns to compete. My nervousness was gone. In its place was overwhelming feelings of quilt and self-centeredness.

That first place Gold Medal resides in a curio cabinet in my bedroom soon to be accompanied by my Bachelors Degree. The cost of education for non-traditional students has no price tag. It is measured by the sacrifices of many, and the unforeseen hurdles of everyday life. Will my dream of becoming an educator become a reality? Well, as my husband so eloquently put it. "Why not?"

Learn more about this author, Debbie Seko.
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