Appreciating My Journey as a Homemaker in Graduate School

My official paper has arrived and while I’ve reached the destination, I can’t help but reflect on the journey. Before the pandemic I was working full time with two children (ages 1 and 3 at the time). With the encouragement and support of my husband, I took a huge leap of faith to prioritize my children and become a homemaker, but I also wanted to stay current in my field. I figured I was (and still) only getting about 4 hours of sleep every night so I might as well try to earn a degree while waiting for the kids to start school. It had been 10 years since earning my B.A. so I felt I had much to prove to myself but by the grace of God I was able to get it done and create new life goals and plans around my children.? My children have been by my side the entire process and I hope I continue to be an example for them of what can be possible. My oldest enjoyed my graduation so much that she asked me to “do it again” so here Mommy is nearly halfway through my first PhD course. Seeing how fast the time goes, I have learned to enjoy and be grateful for each day of the process. ?

I’m getting more comfortable with being uncomfortable and noticing the beauty in the journey. I am a firm believer that “where God guides, he will provide”. I have the will so I know HE will make a way. I know HE didn’t bring me this far just to leave me. It reminds me of the sacrifice my grandparents made to move from Mississippi to California for better opportunities and how being 2nd generation CA born, how earning this small piece of paper must make them proud. I recognize that my education, goals, and dreams extend far beyond me as I am but a part of a greater whole. I’ve learned that my efforts and success extend to my children, my family, and my community. These photos include my children and I at the beginning, end, and during the masters program. Time goes by so fast that I'm looking forward to creating new memories along the course of the PhD but I'm certainly not rushing it. Cheers to the journey! :-)