College life while raising kids!

When I was growing up I always wanted to be a teacher but school was not something I was good at and I knew I didn’t want to continue school after high school. So with that fear I choose not to go to college at that time.

For a couple years I just worked while trying to figure life out. After a couple of years I decided I would go to college and obtain my Medical Assistant degree. I was able to successfully graduate with this degree and work for several years in this degree.

I worked in a pediatric doctors office for about 9 years. I enjoyed this degree field, although the pay is not as good as a nursing degree. With this degree I could do most of what the nurses did except call in prescriptions and counsel patients by phone. This field helped me personally as a mom to not freak out over every little illness with my own children. Now my children rarely go to the doctor as I have learned to understand illnesses and know the signs of a more serious illness requiring a doctor’s visit. My favorite days were when it was crazy busy. It made the day go by so fast!

After working in this field for about 6 years my husband and I became foster parents. I know God has a plan with our life and although I didn’t initially want to work at a pediatric office I am glad that I did. Putting me in that doctors office opened my eyes to foster parenting. If it wasn’t for that experience I may not have known about foster parenting or wanted to become a foster parent. I cannot imagine my life without my adoptive children. Sometimes we just have to trust God!

After a couple more years of working and fostering I decided it was best to stay home with my children. We had a child in our home who bit a LOT and the daycare would call me after so many bites and then I would have to come and get him for the day. I was beginning to feel my work frown at me for having to leave so often. I didn’t blame them but I knew it was time for a change. My priorities had changed and I wanted to be more available for any child needing a home. After being home for a few months I decided I still wanted to contribute financially to our family so I asked one of my best friends if I could watch her newborn when she went back to work and luck fully she said yes! I ran an in home daycare for about 7 years.

After successfully running my own daycare and accepting any child into our home they called us about I decided to go back to school. Since adopting our children and with the mental illness of our oldest son I decided I wanted to know more about mental health and helping others understand the illness especially in the education system so I decided to further my education.

I first went to our local community college to finish my Associates degree. Being a full time mom and working at home doing daycare I went part time in the evenings so I could continue to support our family financially. I spent nap time and bed time working on my homework. After I completed my Associates degree I went straight to get my Bachelors degree. I went to Western Illinois University and absolutely loved it! I commuted 40 minutes each way three days a week. I completed this degree in 3 years part time. At this time I no longer was able to work as my classes were during the day.

I loved the school, the teachers and the friends I met. I would definitely recommend this school if you are thinking of starting college. The campus is large but easy to get around. Get a good winter coat because the walk to your building is very cold in the winter. My professors were easy to approach when I had a question or didn’t understand anything. They also knew I was dedicated and didn’t miss any days despite my commute and family.

I first wanted to use this degree to work for the Department Of Human Services and work with families who are in the system and help preserve those families. As I continued my degree my son’s behaviors continued to become more complicated. This made me think that I needed to continue to know more so after I completed my Bachelors degree I immediately went on to get my Master degree. I figured this would give me a chance to work more closely with children and families who are impacted with mental illness and help them navigate their challenges and find their strengths to help them be successful in their own way.

I completed my Masters degree in 10 months as advanced standing at St Ambrose University. It was a challenge but so worth the time spent learning more about the social work field. I commuted 1 hour and 40 minutes one way 3 days a week. I also had to complete an internship at the same time. This was a lot of work but I kept telling myself it was only 10 months, I think that helped me get through it. The summer months were the toughest 2 months of my life. I cried a lot but made it through! I loved the “family” I made during this time. It was a small group of people and the staff were again amazing. They pushed me hard but made me the social worker I am today!

My point to this story is that if I can get a degree than anyone can do it. My challenges were of course the increasing degree of our sons behaviors. The other children we had in our care during some of this time who also had several behavior concerns. Being a parent, fixing meals, laundry, homework, baths all while trying to gain a degree. It wasn’t easy! I cried a few times! But I did it! I was in the honors program as an undergrad and graduate student. I really put in the effort as this was something I was passionate about.

If you have a dream of getting a degree do it! The time is going to pass either way, you might as well accomplish something during that time. I believe in you!! I would love to hear your story! Send me an email at the link below.

Enjoy the journey,

J