3 weeks off!

I am so happy to have 3 glorious weeks off from grad classes. Woo hoo! Only 4 months left until graduation (May 20). Did I mention that I ended this fall semester with a 4.0 GPA.........while working full time? Yes. :)

I was never a "bragger" about my grades before grad school. I was always an average student growing up, even in college. I feel that since starting grad school and with my career in higher ed, I have a new found motivation to earn A's. I have never worked so hard in school before until now. I am very proud of my accomplishments and don't really care that I like to show off my 4.0. Let's be honest, before grad school, I had only earned a 4.0 in a semester twice in undergrad and it was during our spring terms = 1 credit, 4-week courses. Creative Writing one spring term and Economics another spring term.

Growing up, my mom didn't really push me to get a 4.0 GPA. She was a single mom working 2 jobs (at times) to put a roof over our heads and food on the table. She had her hands full. She was happy I wasn't getting into trouble or failing in school. I work hard now, to make my mom proud, to be a positive role model for my nieces and nephews, and lead by example for my students.

It's interesting how my life has changed over the years, especially working in higher education. I now help and encourage students to pursue a college education and teach them the advantages of why it's important. I also teach college freshmen how to be academically successful in college. Wow! I tell them the first day of class that my goal for them is to earn an A in my class. This helps to create an environment of success and achievement for my students and they know I've set the bar high for them. Failure is not an option.

I've learned that an average student can be successful in life and I am living proof of that.

My 4.0 has earned me a 3-week break. Woo hoo!