It's Never Too Late: My Journey Through Motherhood, Education, and Finding My Purpose
There is something incredibly rewarding about working toward a goal that, at one point in your life, may have seemed completely out of reach.
For me, that goal has been earning my college degree while raising four daughters and navigating everything that comes with being a mother, student, and military spouse for over 14 years.
I'm 40 years old, and I'm just weeks away from completing my Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology at the University of Phoenix. And honestly, when I look back at everything it took to get here, I can't help but feel proud.
But my journey hasn't always been easy.
Finding My Way Back to Education
In July 2021, I earned my associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University. That accomplishment meant so much to me because it reminded me that I was capable of achieving things outside of my responsibilities as a wife and mother.
I love being a mom. My four daughters are a huge part of who I am, but I've also learned how important it is to have goals and dreams of my own.
Returning to school meant figuring out how to balance assignments, deadlines, family responsibilities, and everything else life throws at you. There have been late nights, stressful weeks, and plenty of moments when I wondered how I was going to get everything done.
But I kept going. And throughout my bachelor's degree program, I've consistently earned a place on the Dean's List. That's something I'm incredibly proud of.
Motherhood Doesn't Mean Putting Your Dreams on Hold
One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that becoming a mother doesn't mean you have to stop pursuing your own dreams. Sometimes those dreams take longer than expected. Sometimes the path looks completely different from what you originally imagined.
And sometimes you're working on a college assignment while also answering questions from four kids who all seem to need something at the exact same time. That's just real life, lol.
But I've come to realize that my daughters aren't just watching me work toward a degree. They're watching me set goals, overcome challenges, and follow through with something that matters to me.
I want them to grow up knowing that their circumstances, age, or responsibilities don't have to determine what they're capable of accomplishing.
Discovering My Passion for Psychology
As I've continued my education, my interest in psychology has grown into something much bigger than simply earning a degree. I've always been interested in understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do.
I also believe that everyone has a story, and sometimes the struggles people face aren't visible to the outside world.
Studying psychology has helped me develop a deeper understanding of mental health, human behavior, and the importance of empathy. It's also helped me realize what I want to do with my future.
I have enrolled in a master's program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology as my next step after completing my bachelor's degree. I am excited to explore workplace behavior, leadership, motivation, and how organizations can better support people.
It's Okay to Start Later
I think society sometimes makes us feel like we should have everything figured out by a certain age. A career by 25. Financial stability by 30. All our goals accomplished by 40.
But life doesn't always happen according to a timeline.
I'm 40 years old, raising four daughters, and preparing to graduate with my bachelor's degree. And you know what? I'm not behind.
I'm exactly where my journey has brought me, and I'm still moving forward. There is no expiration date on education, personal growth, or finding your purpose.
Looking Toward the Future
As graduation gets closer, I find myself reflecting on how far I've come. Every completed assignment, every Dean's List recognition, and every semester I've pushed through has brought me closer to a future I've worked hard to build.
My next chapter is a master's program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, continuing to learn about people, workplaces, and how good leadership can make a difference.
You can be a mother and a student. You can have responsibilities and ambitions. You can start over, change directions, and discover new dreams at any age.
At 40 years old, I'm not finishing my journey. I'm just getting started.