My post-bac journey was a sloooow one. There have probably been slower journeys, but I’d wager I’m part of an elite group of slackers who really milked it. My plan was to take my time with one class each term so that the workload was manageable and wouldn’t interfere too much with daily life. And in a way, it kind of happened like that, but it wasn’t quite as easy as I thought it would be.

There are pros and cons to taking the “one at a time” approach. The workload is the most significant. Only taking one class allowed me to keep my sanity, and even then, there were several weeks where it was hanging by a thread. It also gave me the ability to focus entirely on each course, which helped to grasp the material without other distractions. And I only had to keep up with one class schedule and its due dates. This is a big one.

I’m taking two classes this term for the first time since starting the program and I’m surprised how difficult it can be keeping track of the assignments and material. I’ve heard people say that having a second kid is more than twice as hard as having one. Having two kids myself, I’m not sure if I agree with that or not, but I definitely feel that way about taking two classes. It’s a good thing I’ve got that light at the end of the tunnel to keep me focused.

I think the most difficult part about taking the slow route is simply the sheer amount of time that is spent with that sense of student responsibilities consuming your thoughts. I enjoyed this program, but being in school as a working parent feels much different than it did during my first degree. Even with the lighter workload, even during the terms I took off, there was always this little school cloud hanging over my head. Now here at the end, I can feel that cloud lifting. It’s one of those things, like Alaska winters, that you don’t realize was affecting you until you reach the other side.

And oh, how glad I am to be on that other side (almost on the other side)! Slow, though it may have been. This tortoise didn’t win the race, but you won’t be able to tell my paper apart from all the other hares’.