Thursday, August 22, 2013

The Beginning of 44--So What's Next?

Here I sit on the cusp of a new birth year. Where will this 45th year of my life take me?

After spending an entire blogging week dedicated to the topic of gifted kids and education, I investigated a few possibilities. (You can read the series on gifted education here, here, here, here, and here.) I found a master's program in gifted education offered online through Arizona State University (thanks for the link, Heather and Michelle!), and after some serious self-examination and self-evaluation, I decided to apply.  I may only be a stay-at-home mom with an undergraduate degree emphasizing medieval art history, but I'm the mom of a few gifted kids, right?  I have experience with this, right? I exceeded the minimal criteria to be considered for enrollment, so what did I have to lose, right?

I submitted my application and references (thanks, Jamie, Dawn, and Lori!) in June, and then I waited.

While we were at Heidi's house in July, I received the email confirmation that I had been accepted to the Master of Curriculum and Instruction program, with an emphasis in Gifted Education.  I bought my books and paid my tuition, skimmed through a few of the required textbooks, and then I waited until today.

August 22, 2013.
Is this really happening?  Am I really going to be a student all over again?
Yes, it's real.  In five semesters--May 2015--I will complete my masters in Gifted Education.

College has changed in every way since I was a student back in the 80's and 90's.

I hope I have the chops for it.

I was excited. Now I'm just scared.

Wish me luck!

13 comments:

  1. WOW! that is super exciting :) I am curious to see where this leads you (me being the momma to a few gifted kidlets too!) You are an inspiration and your writing is amazing!

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  2. I've loved this series, Jen.

    Mostly because 42 has kicked my butt so far...I want to blog about it, but I'm still processing...

    Can't wait to hear all the new stuff you learn this year! Hope you keep us in the loop!

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  3. Good for you. I'm sure there will be plenty to love/hate about this experience.

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  4. Happy Birthday dear friend. You simply amaze me and I love you!

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  5. I went back to ASU for a master's degree at about your age. Figured I could just turn 44 and not have it or work hard and have a master's degree. My program included becoming a certified teacher. Teaching helped us get through our children's missionary and college years. It also helped me grow in all kinds of ways.

    I wish you all the best. You are definitely smart and organized enough to do it.

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  6. And you thought my husband was crazy for going back to school! You're sure to have your hands full - good luck to you!

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  7. Glad you are doing this. I hope it will fill something for you.

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  8. Good for you! I'm sure it's exciting and scary at the same time...but you will do GREAT! Good luck!

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  9. woohoo!!!!!!! we need more of that! way to go:)

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  10. Good for you!
    You will totally own it and do so well. There is nothing like a mother-brain. Seriously. Life experiences make education so much better.

    Good luck!

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  11. Go get 'em Jenny! You'll do great and have stories to tell.

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  12. Heeeey, sweet sweet sweet! I didn't know that you had decided to look into this! But I did know that it would be perfect for you the second I saw it.

    I started my Masters at ASU on Thursday too! I'm still scared. But we will do it together!

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  13. simply amazing jen!!!!
    the thought of going back to school terrifies me at this point in my life, but maybe someday!!:)
    you're gonna do amazing, I just know it!:)
    have a happy day jen

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