Go For It!

One day, I felt convicted to return to college. It was the year 2020, less than two months before my 41st birthday. My initial thoughts, “Why now, girl?” And I realized, it was because I was ready. I wanted to grow deeper and wiser in the way I see myself empowering others. I wanted to learn new information; gain a new perspective of thinking. Though scared, yet with all of the confidence I could gain in one moment, I applied for college to continue my undergraduate studies. Knowing my busy schedule, I no longer wanted to make an excuse about the lack of time I had to attend physical classes, so I applied for online classes at the University of Maryland Global Campus. It just made sense. I applied and was accepted.

Whoo, fear started creeping in deeper but, with it, I then submitted my request for tuition remission through my Benefits office at work. Within 24-hrs, the request was approved and literally applied to my student account at UMGC. Oh, yeah…this must be a sign; it was time! No turning back now.

Needless to say, again afraid, I took on 3 classes…yes, 3 full classes for my initial return to college. Pause!!! What 40-year old does this??? I eventually came to the conclusion that I, along with many other working professional adults did the same thing. For me, I felt like I was the only one out of my mind! I mean, I did have plenty of opportunities, for little to no cost, to further my education years prior but, I wasn’t ready then…I was ready now!

After two months of learning new information, research, discussion posts, projects, papers and finals, I completed my first semester continuing my undergraduate studies. And guess what? Unexpectedly, yet prayerfully, I did it with a 4.0 GPA. I couldn’t have been more proud of myself!

Why am I sharing this with you? Because I want to encourage you to go after your goals, dreams, and hearts desires, even if afraid…and as long as there is good intention and purpose behind it, and makes you better, it’s worth it. I felt like the biggest idiot trying to finish school mid-life, as a wife, full-time working mom, Zumba Instructor, dance teacher, and everything else to which I am committed. But, enduring each lesson, the feedback, long nights of study and seeing the results in my grades was motivation enough to continue even further.

You see, sometimes, it’s all about just taking the step forward. The more steps you take, the further your distance towards success and the greater the challenge to give in or turn back. Even afraid, you can progress; you can reach; you can succeed...but you have to be willing to take the step. Know that you got this, and even as I continue my own journey, I am cheering you on. Go for it! There's nothing like another testimony.

-Re