I don't know why, but I keep forgetting to log in to this blog and post some updates. My automotive blog needs a new post also, but this one is further behind. :-)
This time last year, I was running around (okay, calling around) all over the place, trying to figure out the necessary steps to reenroll myself at the university. Evidently, my prayers and desires were in sync with God's plan and timing. Once I found the information I needed, time was of the essence to get it all done. But I kind of alluded to that in my Back-to-School announcement post last year, so I think that's enough of a reflective refresher on that aspect.
Because I am still working full-time (45 to 47 hours/week), and I wanted to really do well in my classes I opted to take only 3 classes (9 credit hours) each fall and spring. Even though I was *really* nervous, last fall went pretty well... until about the two-thirds mark. The problem was *not* my grades; I was on course to get straight A's. The issue was a hiccup regarding my financial aid status. Short of the long, unless I appealed the decision, my financial aid for spring term was guaranteed to be yanked. I was in a tailspin!
But I took a deep breath and prayed the prayer that never fails, "Lord, I truly want to complete this degree. And yet, if You deem otherwise, Thy Will be done." When I next saw them, I mentioned my issue to my awesome professors - who knew me by face and name - and 2 of the 3 emailed me letters of recommendation within about 48 hours. The third was willing to furnish one, but time got away from her. I contacted my 'general coursework' academic adviser for help with the research for my appeal, but she was all booked up. However, she did remind me that my 'degree program-specific' adviser would be equally able to help me, if not more capable of doing so.
Within another 24-48 hours, I was in my program-specific adviser's office, defining my course plan for the rest of my undergraduate career. We determined what courses I would take - including ones for my newly-decided Minor and Certificate paths - and how each would impact my academic goals. That very night, I compiled all my information, crafted my email appeal (with recommendation letters attached), and submitted it before going to bed.
If you didn't know already, my appeal was successful. And, I made the Dean's List with a 4.0 for fall term! Yeah! Spring term gave me pause going into it, because I was finishing my Statistics sequence, while also take Microeconomics and Business Law. I was a bit anxious just thinking about all that, and I faced another hiccup when my evening Stat's class was cancelled less than 24 hours before the first meeting (lack of enrollment). I wound up reluctantly switching to an online version of the course. But, I managed to get Dean's List again with a 3.889! Microeconomics was my only A-. :-)
This summer, I have been taking a History course online. That was a bumpy start also, since there was some confusion as to which course number fulfilled my degree needs. Since I'm an 'old fart', my course history is a blend of 'quarter-based' and 'semester-based' course numbers. And, not everything in the system has been readily and accurately 'translated' between equivalent numbers. Fortunately, my previous difficulties helped me to prepare for this latest adventure, which was extremely mild in comparison. Yay for growth! :-)
As I sit down to pause and reflect on the past year, I can't help but marvel at His Grace, Goodness and Planning. I finally got my head screwed on straight, so God said "Yes" to my educational desires. Things seemed to be going a little too smoothly, so He gave me the opportunity to do a gut-check, form a plan and commit to it. Scheduling hiccups, changes and hassles are going to lurk in waiting for me every term, so He let me have a small taste of it in Spring to forge my flexibility and resilience. The Summer History glitch was another opportunity to adapt to the situation at hand. Since I knew I could handle Stats online, History done the same way was less frightening - and easier on the budget. (No parking fees, all summer long!) God is GOOD!
Yes, a lot of what I am tackling now, is the result of my own doing. Every poor decision I made in the past, every day that I refused to seize... it all has snowballed into this mess I am making right now. But, I have such a desperate hunger and need to conquer this, that I *know* I will do this. Thanks be to God for this opportunity. With His help, I can do anything.
The Countdown:
1 year and (almost) 1 summer down
3 more years and 2 more summers to go.
Spring c/o 2016... oh yeah!
