The year of 2014 brought me to a new place in my life. I
took a stand, became determined to the point of anger, and stepped into the
world of college student. The feeling of thrill and fear that sets your heart
racing and your spirits soaring must be the same feeling a mountain climber
experiences when he summits a peak. That comparison may be a little dramatic, but
I have had to overcome a few hurdles, or should I say, climb a few slopes to
get to that point. The process of finding documents was quite intimidating.
Birth certificates, college transcripts, high school transcripts, marriage
certificates, certificate of Indian blood, who knew? That was just for the
application of a grant! The college registration took several visits to a
guidance counsellor, testing, touring the campus, figuring out the bookstore
and so much more. As each rise became a mile marker behind me, I came closer to
the day.
My
first day of school was a cold, snowy day in January. I was armed with text
books, notebooks and shiny new computer. As I walked through the shifting snow,
trying to concentrate on putting my feet where it was safe, I almost missed
that moment. The one that makes you come to a standstill, hold your breath,
tear up and then grin like an idiot! At last I was crossing the university
campus with all the rights and privileges of a student! My dream was coming
true.
I do realize
that the dream, at times, becomes a little vague, clouded and even
disappointing, but I can honestly say there was never a time, during those
semesters, that I didn’t want to go, didn’t anticipate, didn’t celebrate going
to class. Crossing the parking lot of ice was monumental for spring of 2014,
but I braved it and God in His mercy saw fit to keep me upright. Yes, I was the
oldest student in all four of my classes, but age has been an advantage in interpreting
poetry, finding a thoughtful perspective, and writing a solid research paper. Most of my efforts were successful,
but I had a few times when my eyes wouldn’t stay open over ancient texts and my
quiz scores were not “awesome.” At those times, I was grateful to
mentor, Jolene, and she would tell me, “It’s just one grade out of many, mom.
You are doing great!” The dream has survived the first go around.
The
next semester begins in a few days and I am more confident in parking, finding
my classes and locating the coffee shop. I still, however, feel the anxiety of
being out of my depth, wondering if my creativity will hold, and feeling the
age difference between me, my student peers and even my professors, but I am
reveling in the sheer joy of learning.
Thank
you to those who have helped make this a possibility: My husband, my children
(especially my scholar/mentor, Jolene), my pastor, my boss and work associates.
They have taken up the slack at home, at church and at work. May God bless you
for your generosity. And lest I forget "GO SEAWOLVES!"
