Life has gone from a concrete sidewalk to a dirt path over the last several months.

I’ve gone from a stable and consistent income, to a very unstable one. A somewhat-solid career path, to a new path that requires some intricate navigating. In all honesty, I’m a little frightened of the unknown, but won’t let myself get side-tracked on the way to my dreams. I’ve always enjoyed the perks of having control over my life and over my career path, and this dramatic change forces me to opportunity to overcome these adversities.

I’m currently signed up for 15 credits at Clark College and the more I think about it, I think to myself that maybe I should have signed up for more. The next three months are going to be tough and I already know it. Transitioning back into the school mind-set isn’t difficult for me, but the thought of homework has me feeling uneasy (a normal feeling, I would presume).

I signed up for FAFSA yesterday and can’t wait to begin applying for grants and a work-study program. I’d like to avoid the idea of having to work and go to college at the same time however, I don’t believe that’s going to work for me anytime soon. Although my income now and for the next few months will be enough, I’m trying to mentally prepare myself for the rough roads ahead. Most of the college students I’ve known had/have jobs to supplement college, and somehow I can’t picture myself being any different. Another way of looking at it is a better way of understanding what others have been through/are going through, just to get the education they desire. Why should I be any different?

I received my official transcript from the University of Maryland this morning and I believe I’ll be headed into Clark to submit it, sometime today. This makes me wonder if my SMART transcript has arrived as well. The more credits I can get knocked out now, the better.

There are 11 days left before Christmas and 17 days until the New Year is here.
2011 is already bringing me change, an opportunity to further my education and show me how capable I am/will be to persevere, adapt, overcome and start a bigger and better life for myself.

Thank you to my close friends and family for all of the help and support over the years. Without you, I have no idea where I would be. I love you all.