Today begins the second week of the spring semester. Yes, once again, I am a college student.
So how did I get to this point? Well, for many years, I have regretted never completing college. There were nights that I woke up in a panic that I had made a horrible mistake. And now in my mid 40s, how was I supposed to correct this? Turns out the story wasn’t over.
In the spring of 2019, I was trying to figure out what the next stage of my life should be. There was many days of prayers and contemplation. But the answer just wasn’t coming. Then one day the epiphany came.
Brigham Young University – Idaho (BYUi) has created a program called Pathways to help people get a college education at a fraction of the cost. The first year was a college skills program. If you pass with all Bs or greater, you are accepted into BYUi as a full time student. After completing the Pathways program, I have been on a lightning path to completing my degree.
Quick side note: For anyone keeping score, after graduating High School, I went to Ricks College. In 2000, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (who owns and operates the school) did a major transition. They retired the name, and transitioned Ricks from a 2 year to a 4 year university and rebranded it under the new name.
If everything works out I will graduate with an Applied Technology Degree in December 2021. I know I am late to the finish line, but completion is my reward. Independent of the personal accomplishment, there are two big reasons why this has been important to me.
First, I am doing this for my kids. I want them to know that it is important to do hard things. It is important to never give up on a goal. And you are never too old to learn. I hope that this will inspire them to never give up on pursuing their dreams and aspirations.
Second, with everything else that is going on, school has been a great distraction. It has given me something to look forward to and to achieve. There are many days when I feel that there isn’t much I am able to due. When this happens, I know it is time to get another assignment done.
There is no greater way to get over your worries then to pour your effort into learning something new. Ok, time to hit the books.
