Life right now is a crazy mess full of deadlines, textbooks stacked on the desk, and toys scattered across the living room. Being a parent, to an excited four-year old is a full-time job, filled with never ending energy, question after question, and enough art supplies to craft the St. Louis Art Muesum. But, add in a demanding full-time job and the pursuit of a higher education, let’s just say I feel like a marathon runner. Juggling work, school, and parenthood often feels like a circus act.
Early mornings begin with getting everyone dressed, packing lunch, and a desperate gamble to find her missing shoes (they are always under the bed). Then it’s off to tackle the workday, answering emails, reading task board, and monitoring patients. Schoolwork becomes my late-night companion, fueled by Dr. Pepper and BTS playing in the background. Through the chaos, there is unwavering motivation. My daughter, with her infectious laugh and unlimited curiosity, is my driving force. She may not understand why I am exhausted all the time or the complexities of all the tabs I have opened on the computer or why I am constantly checking my email, but she sees my efforts. She sees the late nights, the early mornings, she understands that school is important. And that, in itself, is a reward that can’t be measured, It’s important to note, I’m not doing this alone. I have the most incredible support system – a rockstar husband who steps in without question, sharing parenthood and being the best dad. He always offers me the encouragement I need and is my biggest fan!
My parents and my in-laws are always offering their help too. With open-arms and endless love, they provide a haven and the extra love that sometimes I feel I lack to give because I am sometimes so stressed. To them, my sincerest gratitude. It is not always easy. There are some days I feel like quitting but seeing the pride in my daughter’s eyes when I graduate in May, knowing I am setting a strong example of hard work and dedication – that's the element that keeps me going. So, here’s to the late nights, endless laundry, and the never-ending supply of crayons and glitter. This crazy, beautiful journey of parenthood, work, and self-improvement would not be possible without my amazing support system and the little girl who inspires it all.
