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I am trying to make a really big decision right now.
Andy is able to sign over his GI Bill to me. Which means I can go back to school for free. He already has his Bachelor's Degree and if he wants to get his Master's before he retires, he can do it through tuition assistance while he's still in - so he doesn't need his GI Bill.
I only have my Associate's Degree, some upper level credit from my Russian courses at DLI and a couple of CLEPs.
I really would enjoy going back to school and finally getting my degree.
Would it be worth it though - the time and effort I mean? I would obviously have to do classes online or at night, because I'll still be homeschooling the kiddos. Can I handle that? Can I get it all done and still be sane?
Of course I have fears that I have forgotten too much. That I would be completely out of place with a bunch of recently graduated "kids". I'm sure I'd get over it, but it's still in the back of my mind. It's been many years since I've sat in a classroom.
The other factor in this equation is the fact that the GI Bill benefits can also be transferred over to one of the kids (or split between them). There are 36 months (4 school years) of benefits. Should I feel bad if I use a couple of years worth of it, when I could be giving it to the kids?
I go back and forth every day. I have a lot of thinking to do........
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
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5 comments:
Here are my thoughts:
-just because they're in college doesn't mean they're any more competent than you. You wouldn't believe some of the junk people turn in and I'm in grad school. You're well-read and therefore WAY ahead of the game.
-dividing the GI Bill is silly because then no one gets substantial benefit.
-even online school is hard simply because at home, you are always going to be DISTRACTED. But you're a night owl, so this might not effect you.
-set the example for your kids, show them that no matter your chosen occupation, education is paramount.
-Your kids are so bright, they will get scholarships (Hey, I run a scholarship fund. I know how few kids just take the time to write an essay. Those that do, almost always get money).
-think of how satisfied you will be to check that block.
-also consider MyCAA: $6,000 for military spouses to further their education. I know people that have received the funds; said it is as easy as turning in the application.
My vote: GO BACK TO SCHOOL. Take one class to start, see how heavy the load is, then add a class the next semester if you can manage. I wouldn't recommend full-time with kids at home. Mine are in daycare and I still struggle.
Make your family proud!
http://www.militaryonesource.com/MOS/FindInformation/Category/MilitarySpouseCareerAdvancementAccounts.aspx
If I went back at 40 (though not home schooling anyone) but working at several part time jobs and keeping up with other volunteer duties, you can Jennifer. Mom W.
You can do it Jennifer! In the past year I have gone back to school as well. I feel even if I don't have to use my degree, I am setting an example for my children-to continue their education. I don't know if you have heard about the program through dod for military spouses. They give you 6000.00 to continue your education. You may want to use that first and then you would have some of the GI left for your children. Just an idea. If you need the link let me know. It is a great program!!
There is an advantage to going back to school as a (well, how can I put this? Slightly Older Person? Not Recent High School Graduate?) More Experienced Person.
Firstly, you are not a) distracted by raging hormones and not able to study; b) looking for the next Off The Chain Party, Bro; c) not hungover from aforementioned party...
Also, you are more committed to studying, and I think more efficient at it. You are more invested in it because it's not just an extension of the high school party, and will therefore get more out. There are studies out there that say that the frontal lobe of the brain (decision making portion) is not fully developed until people are in their mid-twenties. You are not only more mature, experience-wise, but physiologically.
Plus, even if you don't necessarily want to become a doctor or whatever, think of all the cool stuff you can learn and then impart to your kids. I always wanted to take Sign Language in college, but I could never fit in into my schedule and it wasn't worth any relevant credits. If I went back now, I would just enjoy sampling from the buffet of knowledge. Not only sign language, but maybe a foreign language, more math to get ready for teaching it to kids...maybe even a teaching certificate in case there is trouble for home-schoolers in the future.
Take the free money and enjoy it. You don't have to be a super-serious-career-minded person to get a lot out of extra education. Go for it!
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