Going Back to School With School-Aged Kids

Perhaps the term “back” is a bit misleading when I never officially left school for more than a year or two. That’s right. I am pushing 37 years old and have continued attending school since I was in Pre-K.

However, that was never my intention. While college was always in the plans, at some point, I intended to graduate and never look back. But I did. I looked back after my first undergraduate degree, then again after the first graduate degree, and again and again after the second, third, and fourth graduate degrees. By this point, I had somehow earned three Master’s degrees in elementary education, literacy, and educational technology and a sixth-year degree in administration.

While I always knew what I wanted to be when I grew up (a second-grade teacher, teaching in the same class for 37.5 years), I learned much more about myself when I began teaching. I realized that I love so many aspects of education. I love learning, reading, the time crunch, the deadline, and the chase for the next best practice.

When I would think I was officially “done,” there was an ache in my heart that said, “Not forever.”

So, I kept going back to college, from buying our house to getting engaged and married to having our first and then our second child. Attending classes just became a part of my routine.

As I unintentionally modeled being an adult student to my children, I realized what an important lesson it was for them. It showed them that learning isn’t temporary. I hope to inspire them to continue to study their passions and become active listeners, readers, and students. The more knowledge we glean, the richer our lives become.

Of course, busy schedules and finances are obstacles when deciding to return to school. I have been fortunate to have a supportive partner encouraging my love for school. I have also sought out the most amazing programs, payment plans, and financial aid. While it may be difficult, it is not impossible.

When I finished my principal preparation program this past fall, I declared, “I am done forever!” Lo and behold, I found myself inquiring about the doctoral programs at graduation. Never say never.