"I never imagined I would be where I am today because I just finished my associates degree this past fall after beginning my education journey in 2009. Do to life and many struggles it took me 13 years to complete my associates. I finished my associates and was encouraged to apply to UMSL with the pursuit to obtain a BSW. This semester I have had to rearrange my work schedule to accommodate me class schedule, however, I do appreciate the classes in the evening to help the working students. Thankfully I have a great support system with my sisters and they have been my biggest cheerleaders. My sisters have stepped up when I am unavailable to take my boys to sports practices or musical rehearsals. I have had to do homework while at practices or games and I have not been able to be fully vested. I know my children appreciate that I am there but I feel guilty at times because I have missed a shot or a goal that was made because my focus was not 100% on them because I was paying attention to school work. I have also spent long nights on homework well past 10pm and still had to manage to wake up at 6 am. I have had to prioritize my Saturdays to be able to spend quality time with my children and make sure that I am fully present for them. These sacrifices that I have made are to be able to provide a better life for my children. I also want to show them that with hard work anything is possible.
