Graduation: My Dream Deferred - Realized!

[Leah123]

On May 31 I finished my last class in my bachelor's degree program. On July 19 my degree was officially conferred.

I dropped out of high school at 17, only a few months from graduation, due to PTSD, undiagnosed and untreated at the time. It was all I could do to stay sane.

But I stabilized a lot over the years, and two and a half years ago started therapy again. I was inspired to return to college, which had been a fantasy of mine when I was young.

I had to complete 21 courses (I'd already finished most of my first two years by 2010 at a community college) and I did those 21 courses while working 60 hours per week, taking care of my daughter, and volunteering in two capacities while seeing to my other family obligations as well.

And I did it summa cum laude.

I am very proud of myself for working through my trauma enough and getting enough support that I succeeded in achieving my long-deferred dream of becoming college educated and I am parlaying that education into a new career.

I am already working part-time in my new field and plan to transition out of my full-time job into that field full time when my daughter returns to school in September.

It was very hard and I had to work through my PTSD BUT I DID IT!

 

[Kailani]

Yeah!!!! You did it!!!! Despite all the obstacles you succeeded! Something to really be proud of!!! So much going on too!!! Good for you!!! Keep on keeping on!!! What an inspiration to others that PTSD can be overcome! You put in tons of effort!!! Celebrate!!!

 

[Joan]

Congrats!!! Well Done.

 

[Fadeaway]

:tup: Way to go!

 

[Bees Are Awesome]

Yay for you! Congrats!:D

 

[hodge]

Yaay for you, Leah! Congrats!!!!

 

[Leah123]

Thanks all. :)
I'm really excited for my new career, something I never expected I'd really get an opportunity to do. Meaningful work. And happy to know that I made it all the way through, learned so much and earned my degree. Sometimes it's really hard for me to focus on/appreciate the positive, so I'm trying to... make the most of these accomplishments and really work toward savoring the good things in life, like these accomplishments.

 

[The Albatross]

Late to congratulate you Leah, but very awesome accomplishment and best wishes for you gal.

 

[void]

@Leah123
Holy horse hooey, Batman!!!!!:wideeyed::wideeyed::wideeyed::wideeyed::wideeyed::wideeyed::wideeyed:

SUMMA CUM LAUDE....ummm...WOW!:singing::singing::singing::singing::singing::singing::singing::singing::singing::singing:

Idk if y'all know what that means, but you cannot achieving a higher standing...ie.she is THE BEST!!!

I'm suitably impressed.

May I ask what discipline?
if not it's ok

 

[Leah123]

Hi there void! Thanks for asking, and the congratulations. I didn't see the reply til today. My degree is in digital journalism. I'm a writer and so excited to be able to do the news. I'm doing it p/t right now with another f/t+ job but looking forward to transitioning soon. Am so glad I finally earned my degree. I already miss school though not being so insanely busy. :)

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Wow what a inspiring and amazing thing to do so huge congratulations to you for your success! I have so much admiration for all of your hard work, be very proud of this one because you sure worked hard to get there. Cyber hugs.

 

[void]

Hi there void! Thanks for asking, and the congratulations. I didn't see the reply til today. My degree i...

You're welcome.:)

I hope you enjoy your career.
Be well.:)