Last year, this time, I was writing about the empty nest
syndrome I had from my youngest leaving for kindergarten. This year, as I saw
the kids off onto the bus for the first time ever (we used to walk at our old
school), I was even more nervous. But I wasn’t so nervous about their school;
instead, I was worried about my own.
Now that both kids are back to school, I decided to pursue
my dream of getting a Ph.D.
Last spring, I took the GRE again. That felt like a big step
because it was a lot more difficult this time around than when I got my
master’s degree‑probably because there was a lot more time between uses of
inane math questions. (Yes, I truly believe having to look at a complicated
algebra problem just to determine whether it is even or odd is an inane way to
test for post-graduate intelligence.)
I held my breath for the next few months waiting to hear if
I got in. The school was only going to accept 4 applicants. I felt confident
that my education record was strong, but I was changing fields. I didn’t have
particular skills or knowledge in urban planning, my intended field.
Long after I thought I had been rejected, I received my
acceptance letter. Now, here I stand ready to begin my Ph.D. I am very proud and excited, but I’ve also
got the same jitters as the kids starting school and not knowing the teachers
or where to go or who to talk to. This time around I have to balance family and
kids with school. While my peers talk about finding roommates and cheap places
to eat and go out to bars, I’m trying to find babysitters and pre-cook meals
for the freezer and crockpot. Also, I’ve got to figure out pretty quickly what
topic my dissertation is going to be on (feel free to throw crazy ideas out at
me).
Deep breath. Whew, I get into a whirlwind just thinking
about it. But I feel extremely lucky to be able to pursue my dream and to have
a family willing to support me through it. There is so much good to focus on,
as long as I remember to breathe.
Congratulations! That's awesome!
ReplyDeleteGood for you!
ReplyDeleteThat's amazing, Shaleen! I know you'll do so well and soon we'll be able to call Dr. Kapil :)
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you're making your dream come true, Shaleen!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. I went back and got my masters after twenty years.
ReplyDelete