April 22, 2010
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Reflections on an Ending
So a few of you saw my pulse about finishing my last assignment for grad school last night. It feels so good to be finished. It definitely feels like another chapter has ended in my life.
Right after undergrad, I decided that I wanted to bite the proverbial bullet and continue right on to grad school. I knew that I would have to foot my own bill (I was lucky enough to come out of undergrad debt free compliments of my wonderful parents
) but I was ready and willing to do that. I got a fabulous job offer right out of school and I was off. I took the summer between undergrad and grad school off from school and just worked to save up some money. Three years ago, I started my Masters while working. I remember thinking at the beginning how awesome it would be to have my Masters before I turn 25 (I won’t turn 25 until October). Now I’m finished and ready to move on to the next big thing.
The past few years have been difficult. Working full time and going to school full time is no cake walk but I wanted to just get through it. It didn’t hurt that I seem to be constantly surrounded by really amazing people in my life that were willing to push me a little further and give me encouragement when I needed it. Some semesters have been more difficult than others but I’ve done fine. Education has always come relatively easily to me.
It’s strange. I know this is a big accomplishment and I’ve had a lot of people tell me how proud they are of me for getting through grad school. I’m not good at taking compliments (I blush a lot and get really embarrassed) but it’s been especially hard to take the compliments about passing grad school because it’s something that I wanted to do. I don’t know… it’s hard to know what to say.
What I do know is that I’m happy to be done!!!
Comments (25)
Congratulations! You’ve worked hard and put in the time to make this happen.
“I’m not good at taking compliments (I blush a lot and get really
embarrassed) but it’s been especially hard to take the compliments about
passing grad school because it’s something that I wanted to do. I don’t
know… it’s hard to know what to say.”
May I suggest a simple “Well, thanks!”
Most people understand and appreciate the effort and dedication involved in pursuing a graduate degree, especially when working full time. It’s a natural response to let you know you did good.
And you certainly did good – well done!
Well I will offer my Congratulations because it is not easy juggling Grad School and a Job at the same time!
(Now all you have to do is go for your Doctorate…
)
So amazing. I still got one more year, but then again I did just start this past yea =P
Congratulations Meg! That is an excellent accomplishment and quite a struggle. The benefit of struggles is that they teach you the full measure of your abilities. You will go far in this world knowing what you are made of and knowing what hardships you can successfully endure. Way to go!
Congrats!!!! You did it, despite the hard stuff. It’s well worth the work. Can’t wait to see where you are headed from here!
RYC: Thanks! now to get Yoda and R to guess a # until we know for sure…
Celebrate!!!
Congrats. I know how difficult it was for me to get my Masters without working full time. You had it even harder. So yay for you! Well done.
I know exactly what you mean. I am proud of you for your grad school accomplishment, but when I earned mine a few months ago, I sort of felt the same way – this is something I was intrinsically motivated to do. Enjoy your newfound time off! And be glad you did it all while you still have the energy
. Knowing you, though, you’ll be going full force for a long time coming.
Meg, you should be very proud of yourself. This is a major milestone in your life. How many people you know, are as dedicated and focussed as you have been? Kudos to your parents for this excellent upbringing, and the love of education that you have displayed.
And now for the doctorate!
Major congratulations… I wish I could have avoided the debt I still haven’t paid on…. joy. Not sure I will ever go to grad school…. not a lot I’m interested in that I’d really need it.
@SoullFire - I do say thanks but I still get sort of embarrassed. Thank you
@Redshirte - LOL, if I do get a doctorate, it will not be any time soon. I told someone today that perhaps my plan should just be to become really famous and hope that some prestigious university bestows a honorary doctorate on me
@Roadlesstaken - This next year will probably pass really quick for you!
@christao408 - *blush* Thank you!
@bravegirl1986 - Next on my list is just to work
@travelerblue - I have!
@eve1684 - Thank you!
@BoureeMusique - Knowing me, I’m sure that I will be able to fill my time with something else. I have a whole list of things that I want to start doing but most of it will probably wait until after the wedding.
@ZSA_MD - Thank you! Yes, my parents are very, very proud of me. I’m the first one on my dad’s side ever to receive a Masters degree!
@sir_spamalot - I was very lucky to come out of both undergrad and grad school debt free!
Congratulations. Now you can borrow my trademarked blog endings and say.
“I’m done.”
Congrats! I’ll be done in December, can’t wait to be where you are in the educational pursuits… Grad school is a wonderful accomplishment, brava!
GJ.
I am getting ready I believe to take the plunge into Grad School…I think…I am like you in that I do not want to foot the bill as my first go round was financed by my parents…hmm
Anyways…it is good that you are finally getting to see the ‘light’…
Congratulations!
@stupid_systemus - Indeed!
@Passionflwr86 - December will get here soon enough for you
@youandwhosearmy - It wasn’t too bad. My school allows you to break down payments month by month, no interest through Sallie Mae. While it sucked (technical term, I know) to spend several hundred dollars each month, it sucked way less than having to shell out several thousand at the beginning of each semester! I think a lot of schools have that program; you may want to look into it.
@SoapAndShampoo - Grazie
wedding update: Yoda and R are on their way over here – all gussied up!!! Pics, hotels, then invites. Trading beer for cigars today – sounds reasonable to me!
Congrats! I can totally understand how you feel. I’ve worked full time for the last three years while going to UNC to get my undergrad degree. I bet it is a huge relief to be done!
I also see that you live in the DC Metro area. I’m moving there is July!
congrats!! thats a really long journey : ) cant wait till im in your shoes ^_^
@travelerblue - Very reasonable
@JourdanMC - Ooo, you will love this area. There is so much to do here. Sadly, you’ll be moving during the height of our incredibly humid summers although I’m sure if you’ve been in NC for the summer, you’re used to it
@darkarin88 - Time will pass quick; you’ll be there soon enough!
oh, congrats! that’s awesome. =)
Wow! Congrats on finishing.
And I will continue to be jealous of the fact you live in DC. I almost interned there this summer….le sigh.