When I made the decision to go back to school I was in my late 30’s. This has been an eye-opening experience for me. I’ve discovered new ways to study and how late Starbuck’s stays open. And, although many nights I’ve fallen asleep with books surrounding my head, this has been the most challenging experience of my life so far because I’ve worked hard for every A and B earned.
I’m not the average student, straight out of high school, with big dreams in the palms of my hands. Instead, I’m the 40 year-old, single-mom who starts off her day at 5 AM, get her children ready and drops them off at school, go to the grocery store, prepare dinner in the crock pot, and arrive at class by 10 AM. It took some time for me to realize that my big dreams were still possible and now here I am at Ursuline. I make it a priority to pick-up my children at least 4 times out of the week, take them to all of their extra-curricular activities, and start my studying when they’re finally asleep by 10 PM. And, in the meantime, some where in-between time, I have to find extra time and money to pay my mortgage each month; although I’m continuously searching for a job, the reality is that I’m over qualified as I change careers. But, I’ve taken a moral stance that I must be available to my children. My options are clear. Let’s remember, I’m a single-mom and there isn’t always someone available to help me out when the kids catch a bad cold and now I’ve been without sleep for 3 days, and I have a final the next.
Going back to school in my late 30’s may not have been easy, but I’ve enjoyed every part of it. I have met some great people, joined organizations with a purpose to help others, and have grown into a more productive part of our humanity. I’ve learned to persevere and come out stronger. And, in keeping with our new blog tradition, I offer you these words from the author, Louisa May Alcott, “I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning to sail my ship.” Be sure to hold on and enjoy the ride!
Yours truly,
Kimberley H.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Plan B
Hello Ursuline,
My anticipated date of graduation is not far away. Before I know it, May 2008 will be here and the next chapter of my story will begin; real life and paying off student loans:) Wow...higher education can be refreshing!
I find it hard to believe that I left corporate America in 2005, matriculated into Ursuline, and discovered that a counseling career in Hospice was my mission. This was not “Plan A.” Actually, I began this journey with Nursing or Education in mind, but then came enlightenment. We have to recognize our gifts and not give into peer pressure. The Ursuline community has truly helped me to figure out who I am, what is important, and where I belong. I realize that I brag a lot about this college, yet I encourage you to open your eyes and truly see what this campus has to offer. The faculty will challenge, motivate, inspire, and open the door to the many gifts which lie in each one of us.
So, rather than going on holiday, I decided it would be more productive to complete my Ursuline Studies, expose myself to the graduate ministry program, and learn about the hospice culture. I opened my eyes and found not only a treasure in the summer classes offered here at Ursuline, but also my voice. Although, some have commented that I missed out on a few things this past summer, I realize that making the sacrifice was the best decision for me. The end result was that my summer was well spent, I learned a lot about my values, social issues, and what drives me. I would personally urge everyone with a conscience to volunteer somewhere. If you are a nursing student, then volunteer at a free clinic, if you are a political science major, volunteer at a legal aid or homeless shelter, but come to understand that we are all connected, one way or another in this great universe. So, not only are you helping others, but you are also getting a valuable perspective on the field you are going into.
When I started this venture, I took the time to look up my ideal bereavement job description on various hospice websites and became proactive in acquiring the noted skills. As a result I became a hospice volunteer who now works in many different capacities. I am involved in vigils where I am sitting by the bedside of someone actively dying, direct patient care where I take care of patient’s activities of daily living, and the speaker’s bureau which allows me to educate people on the hospice movement. This summer has introduced me to the valuable experiences that are a part of my career choice.
I would like to end today’s blog with the words of internationally acclaimed author and lecturer, Marianne Williamson: “In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.” Volunteerism is not about me, but about planting seeds, cultivating hope, and growing love.
My anticipated date of graduation is not far away. Before I know it, May 2008 will be here and the next chapter of my story will begin; real life and paying off student loans:) Wow...higher education can be refreshing!
I find it hard to believe that I left corporate America in 2005, matriculated into Ursuline, and discovered that a counseling career in Hospice was my mission. This was not “Plan A.” Actually, I began this journey with Nursing or Education in mind, but then came enlightenment. We have to recognize our gifts and not give into peer pressure. The Ursuline community has truly helped me to figure out who I am, what is important, and where I belong. I realize that I brag a lot about this college, yet I encourage you to open your eyes and truly see what this campus has to offer. The faculty will challenge, motivate, inspire, and open the door to the many gifts which lie in each one of us.
So, rather than going on holiday, I decided it would be more productive to complete my Ursuline Studies, expose myself to the graduate ministry program, and learn about the hospice culture. I opened my eyes and found not only a treasure in the summer classes offered here at Ursuline, but also my voice. Although, some have commented that I missed out on a few things this past summer, I realize that making the sacrifice was the best decision for me. The end result was that my summer was well spent, I learned a lot about my values, social issues, and what drives me. I would personally urge everyone with a conscience to volunteer somewhere. If you are a nursing student, then volunteer at a free clinic, if you are a political science major, volunteer at a legal aid or homeless shelter, but come to understand that we are all connected, one way or another in this great universe. So, not only are you helping others, but you are also getting a valuable perspective on the field you are going into.
When I started this venture, I took the time to look up my ideal bereavement job description on various hospice websites and became proactive in acquiring the noted skills. As a result I became a hospice volunteer who now works in many different capacities. I am involved in vigils where I am sitting by the bedside of someone actively dying, direct patient care where I take care of patient’s activities of daily living, and the speaker’s bureau which allows me to educate people on the hospice movement. This summer has introduced me to the valuable experiences that are a part of my career choice.
I would like to end today’s blog with the words of internationally acclaimed author and lecturer, Marianne Williamson: “In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.” Volunteerism is not about me, but about planting seeds, cultivating hope, and growing love.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
In time
Dear Fellow Students,
I like to think of myself as having great time management skills. I thrive off of being an organized and disciplined person. I believe that things work out better when there are lists and calendars to keep things going smooth and efficient. But, sometimes things do not always go the way I may have planned and I end up having to alter the lens, which I am looking out of, and accept change with open arms.
I use lists and calendars for everything, from reminding me to meet my new protégé, vote for SGA elections, or meet friends and study groups in Pilla. I can write down my grocery list, take my children to the store with a good intention of getting in and out, and discover that extra items have ended up in my cart and out of my budget; I can make out my homework list, sit down to study, and realize that there are no Dove ice cream bars in my freezer, and the study moment has suddenly come to a screeching halt! The point to all of this is that we can "plan" to be well-prepared and something will challenge us to alter our path into uncharted waters.
This weekend was no different. I had prepared to tackle my seven graduate school applications and then remembered that homework had to come first. So, out came my pen and paper to make my list. My list got longer and longer, and before I knew it, I had incorporated at least two weeks of class assignments into my plan. Yet, this was okay because this method has been a very successful means of managing my schoolwork with everything else. But, it works for me and this has been my secret to surviving college. I do not think it matters what your age is, we all need a plan and I encourage each one of you to be willing to review and sometimes change your plan or you will be sure to become overwhelmed and disappointed.
I want to also take this opportunity to put a plug in for a great workshop that I noticed in our student E-mail this morning. It is a workshop in time management that will offer some good tips and ideas. We all need to take advantage of our valuable resources here on campus. Please, take the time to check out one of the meetings in Mullen 313 on either September 13 at 3 PM or September 19 at Noon, I am positive that the experience will be rewarding.
So, in conclusion and keeping with my new found blog tradition I offer you this quote from the famous humanistic theorist, Carl Rogers, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn…and change.”
Reach out and blog!
Yours truly,
Kimberley H.
I like to think of myself as having great time management skills. I thrive off of being an organized and disciplined person. I believe that things work out better when there are lists and calendars to keep things going smooth and efficient. But, sometimes things do not always go the way I may have planned and I end up having to alter the lens, which I am looking out of, and accept change with open arms.
I use lists and calendars for everything, from reminding me to meet my new protégé, vote for SGA elections, or meet friends and study groups in Pilla. I can write down my grocery list, take my children to the store with a good intention of getting in and out, and discover that extra items have ended up in my cart and out of my budget; I can make out my homework list, sit down to study, and realize that there are no Dove ice cream bars in my freezer, and the study moment has suddenly come to a screeching halt! The point to all of this is that we can "plan" to be well-prepared and something will challenge us to alter our path into uncharted waters.
This weekend was no different. I had prepared to tackle my seven graduate school applications and then remembered that homework had to come first. So, out came my pen and paper to make my list. My list got longer and longer, and before I knew it, I had incorporated at least two weeks of class assignments into my plan. Yet, this was okay because this method has been a very successful means of managing my schoolwork with everything else. But, it works for me and this has been my secret to surviving college. I do not think it matters what your age is, we all need a plan and I encourage each one of you to be willing to review and sometimes change your plan or you will be sure to become overwhelmed and disappointed.
I want to also take this opportunity to put a plug in for a great workshop that I noticed in our student E-mail this morning. It is a workshop in time management that will offer some good tips and ideas. We all need to take advantage of our valuable resources here on campus. Please, take the time to check out one of the meetings in Mullen 313 on either September 13 at 3 PM or September 19 at Noon, I am positive that the experience will be rewarding.
So, in conclusion and keeping with my new found blog tradition I offer you this quote from the famous humanistic theorist, Carl Rogers, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn…and change.”
Reach out and blog!
Yours truly,
Kimberley H.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
The journey begins
My fellow students,
The fall season will soon be upon us. The leaves will be changing colors and the next thing we know, the holidays (and, snow) will be here! You gotta love Cleveland! I am already thinking about turkey, dressing, and sweet potato pie. Then, I have to quickly get back on track and think about a couple of important things regarding my future endeavors.
This weekend, after homework and my family, I actually spent some quality time alone thinking about who I am, where I am going, and what I am going to be doing after college. Things can get really hectic at times for me and it is very important to stay focused on the prize; whatever that may be, for me it is the goal of working for a hospice organization and counseling patients and families who are grieving.
I have a lot on my plate and I have to make time to regroup. When that need arises I have to be sure to turn to my support system, and I strongly recommend that if you do not already have one then make a point of getting one. You should have positive people around that remind you of just how fabulous you are; they will listen to you and have your best interest at heart. My support system consists of my parents, children, and some special and key people here at Ursuline that I have come to respect and appreciate their opinions, and after speaking with them I feel as if I can conquer the world!
I realize that there are many challenges in my Ursuline, senior year such as, locating and interviewing companies that will value my degree, possibly and more than likely submitting myself to the GRE, and applying to graduate schools. You probably are wondering why I place emphasis on my “Ursuline”, senior year, I did so because I want you to know that being a part of this community has led me to approach things differently than I would have if I was in attendance elsewhere. This extraordinary culture has heightened my senses towards a need for social justice, encouraged me to reach out to my community and make changes, and engulfed me on a spiritual journey that embraces me. In the end, I am determined to have a career (or, create one) that embodies the woman I have become.
I invite you, my Ursuline community, to share what your challenges are and what resources are available to help you on your journey and become more successful. I share a quote from an anonymous author: “We are often caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey, especially the goodness of the people we meet on the way.”
Reach out and blog!
Yours truly,
Kimberley H.
The fall season will soon be upon us. The leaves will be changing colors and the next thing we know, the holidays (and, snow) will be here! You gotta love Cleveland! I am already thinking about turkey, dressing, and sweet potato pie. Then, I have to quickly get back on track and think about a couple of important things regarding my future endeavors.
This weekend, after homework and my family, I actually spent some quality time alone thinking about who I am, where I am going, and what I am going to be doing after college. Things can get really hectic at times for me and it is very important to stay focused on the prize; whatever that may be, for me it is the goal of working for a hospice organization and counseling patients and families who are grieving.
I have a lot on my plate and I have to make time to regroup. When that need arises I have to be sure to turn to my support system, and I strongly recommend that if you do not already have one then make a point of getting one. You should have positive people around that remind you of just how fabulous you are; they will listen to you and have your best interest at heart. My support system consists of my parents, children, and some special and key people here at Ursuline that I have come to respect and appreciate their opinions, and after speaking with them I feel as if I can conquer the world!
I realize that there are many challenges in my Ursuline, senior year such as, locating and interviewing companies that will value my degree, possibly and more than likely submitting myself to the GRE, and applying to graduate schools. You probably are wondering why I place emphasis on my “Ursuline”, senior year, I did so because I want you to know that being a part of this community has led me to approach things differently than I would have if I was in attendance elsewhere. This extraordinary culture has heightened my senses towards a need for social justice, encouraged me to reach out to my community and make changes, and engulfed me on a spiritual journey that embraces me. In the end, I am determined to have a career (or, create one) that embodies the woman I have become.
I invite you, my Ursuline community, to share what your challenges are and what resources are available to help you on your journey and become more successful. I share a quote from an anonymous author: “We are often caught up in our destination that we forget to appreciate the journey, especially the goodness of the people we meet on the way.”
Reach out and blog!
Yours truly,
Kimberley H.
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