I was supposed to graduate next month. However, when I applied for graduation it turned out I am 3 credits short for my Spanish degree. There are no classes offered in the summer that I can take. I was going to go on the Peru trip, but there was a conflict so I could not. I was disappointed at first, but I have decided that it is a good thing.

First, it means I do not have to move from my apartment this summer. I am in a program for single parents in school. So until I finish my bachelor’s degrees I have super cheap rent in an apartment that I love. Here I have a small community of friends and I will miss them when I have to leave.

Second, I had been pushing myself through college. I have busted my ass getting two degrees at once! I have loved it and I wouldn’t change anything (except maybe I would have saved an elective for later when I was taking all upper level classes). I have met wonderful people, classmates and professors alike. It has been difficult. I have cried many tears and been anxious a good deal, but I wouldn’t have missed this for anything!

Third, I could not have taken the job that I will be starting just after I finish my field practicum. I am so happy to be working with this organization. The work schedule I will have will make it easy to take classes and do internship hours for my master’s. It will be amazing to be earning a regular paycheck for the first time in a very long time. Doordash was alright, but not steady. I still wonder that one whim of an interview led me to the organization that seems a perfect fit. I am so grateful for the opportunity and look forward to what the future will bring to me with this organization.

I will have time to spend with my kids in the summer and maybe we can take some short trips to the beach or mountains. I do need to spend some time in the mountains. The kids prefer the beach. Whatever we do, I just want to enjoy it.

When I began in January 2021, the end seemed so very far away. Now, its all too near.

*the photo is of Monument Lake in Colorado. taken last weekend during a quick road trip with my eldest kid still at home.