A little over a year ago I made the decision to go back to school. It’s been something that I’ve wanted to do for a very long time (like over 10 years!). I’ve put it off over the years and came up with excuse after excuse but finally enrolled.
I went to college right out of high school but never finished. Having to work full time and go to school was just something that I couldn’t figure out and it didn’t work out for me. Bob was always understanding of my decision but always encouraged me to go back someday. After we had Logan I stopped working and became a stay at home mom. We talked about me going back to school but with only one income and my focus completely on keeping up with the house and a baby it just didn’t seem like great timing. Then we had Caleb and again I don’t believe it would have been something I could have accomplished. We talked about once they were both in school it would be possible. After his diagnosis in 2015 and then him passing away later that year, I knew at some point I’d need to get a job again. I struggled with the idea of finding a job that would work for a widow with 2 kids not in school. How would that be possible? I didn’t think it was a good idea to find a job at the time because the boys just lost their dad and I didn’t want to be away from them more than I had to be. Then after they were both in school I struggled with finding something that worked with their school schedule. Caleb was only going a few days a week and they were half days and then was at 2 different schools as well so it would have been more stressful for me to attempt anything at that point. Finally, they’re both in school full time and I don’t have to run all over the place. This was my chance to go to school. I contacted several places and just felt like Purdue University Global was the right fit for me. I could get my Billing and Coding Specialist Certification through them and it was all online which worked out great for us. This certification would eventually allow me to still be at home for them but working at the same time.
When I first started I honestly wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into, it had been years since I had been in school. The weeks went by and I was doing well and enjoying my classes and actually doing good at it. Since I started school, the boys started their summer break, I sold my house, bought a new one and moved away from the area I thought I’d always live in. There were a couple rough weeks in there and the boys started a new school which I had to drive back and forth from for the first 2 weeks that was around 3 hours of just driving everyday. Luckily my friend Holly let us stay with her one of the nights and I was able to hang at her house doing homework to make less driving for me a couple times. There were several times I had exams or certain assignments needing to get done so I was lucky to have my mother in law, my mom and Erik there to help out. So many times my mother in law would pick them up for a few hours here or there which was a big help. Over Christmas break Erik would take them somewhere to sled or just get them out of the house for a bit to give me some peace and quiet to work on homework.
After we found out we were pregnant I was a little worried that school would fall to the back burner. The first trimester was rough but Erik was very supportive and encouraged me not to give up because it was something that I had wanted for so long and worked so hard for. Then the pandemic happened and I about lost my shit. I considered taking time off school because the boys were now home full time and they had their own homework they needed to get done and needed help with that it took away time from me getting my homework done. My practicum hours were canceled because it was supposed to be done in my doctors office but again with the pandemic it got messed up so the school had to change around some things for us to be able to finish the class. I’ve been lucky that my mother in law could get them about once a week for a few hours during this pandemic to give me some time for school. She took them twice this week since I had a doctor appointment and then I had my big exam. I’ve been studying like crazy for my exam and I took it yesterday while she had the kids and PASSED!! I officially have my Billing and Coding Specialist Certification (BCSC). I still have a couple weeks left of school with some big assignments due but I’m so glad to be done.
Now the fun part is deciding what to do after school. I originally had planned to get a job with this working from home so I could still be available for the kids but now with baby 3 coming in September I’m a little unsure on my timeline. I may take this time to study for another exam and get more credentials which will give me more opportunities for jobs once I do decide on going back. I can’t say there are many times in my life where I’ve been proud of myself but finishing school and passing this exam is one of those times where I am. I’m looking forward to a future career in medical billing and coding and am so proud I finally accomplished something I’ve wanted for so long.
So thankful for Bob continually encouraging me all of those years ago and thankful for Erik for constantly encouraging me to continue and for everyone that has been able to help with the boys when I’ve needed it. I know it wouldn’t have been possible without them.