Archive for back-to-school
I’m Back!
Posted by: | CommentsAs you can see I’ve been on an unplanned break from writing here. My life has taken some unexpected turns. Nothing bad per se; but changes none the less. I haven’t felt much like writing because I don’t feel that I have much to say. Lately I have been reading like crazy. That is one of my passions as I love learning and discovering new ideas. I’ll tell you more about what I’ve been reading later.
The focus of my life has been looking deep inside to reconnect with my spirit. Seems that I’ve neglected it and I’ve had the nagging need to just stop and listen to what my heavenly Father is saying to me. A series of events have forced me to ask some hard questions. Read More→
All the best and much success!
Samantha a.k.a. Rich Single Momma
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My Back to College Experience in a Nutshell
Posted by: | CommentsMy back to school journey went something like this…
The college I chose had an adult degree program that could be completed in 18 months. I had college credit already, in fact I had an Associate’s degree in Architectural Studies (I had dreams of being and Architect). Even though I had college credit I was missing a few core courses but I could take them with my other classes.
My major was Organizational Management (a fancy name for Business Management). I worked in corporate America for several years and I had business course credit so I felt that I would do well. One of the basic classes that I had to attend to meet my core requirements was American Literature. The professor was so wonderful and made the subject so interesting that I decided to change my major to English. The professor wasn’t the only deciding factor; Read More→
Single Mom’s Guide to Going Back to School: How to Navigate the Process
Posted by: | CommentsPart of the wealth building process may include getting more education. More education usually means more money earned in the long term. A college graduate earns more than a high school graduate. The higher the degree level the more money you can make.
So what can an adult going back to school expect? What are the costs? Can you get your mind in study mode? What should you study? These are all valid questions that can be answered with the help of a college advisor or someone who has been down that path.
The first step through this process is to decide what you want to be when you grow up. What has always been your passion? What are your interests? What have you always dreamed of becoming? The answers to these questions will give you the first clues to deciding on a major and minor. From there you can evaluate the college websites that are in your neighborhood or online. With many college programs going virtual you don’t have to worry about leaving your home to get the education you need. This fits in well with the responsibilities that single moms have. Read More→
Back to School is Exhausting, Part 3
Posted by: | CommentsThis is the last part of my tale of back-to-school exhaustion. Enjoy!
The day before school starts I spend the day shampooing and styling my daughter’s thick head of hair. My son gets his hair cut and we lay out clothes, shoes, socks, and backpacks. They are both nervous and excited and to be honest, so am I. The next day we get up, get showered, dressed, and fed then head out the door.
My daughter is catching the bus so I wait a bit for the bus to come but I have to leave before it gets there. I learned later that it was late; hopefully it’s not a sign of things to come. I take my son to school and meet a barrage of cars and proud parents dragging their kids behind them to get into the school. It is not the most organized processional but we make it into the school and to his class without being trampled.
His teacher is smiling and waiting for all her new students to come in and she lovingly excuses a wayward parent who confesses she could’t find an item on the supply list. I feel good when I leave the classroom and head down the crowded halls once again to get back to my car and off to work.
I think about the kids all day and wonder how things are going; wondering if my daughter got to school or if she got lost. I wondered if my son was listening and following directions and I tracked his day with the schedule I printed off from his teacher’s website. Finally my daughter called to tell me that she got home. I am relieved and she is hungry so she hangs up in a hurry to get something to eat and decompress with a TV show.
After work I pick up my son and he is happy to see me and tell me about his day. He’s hungry too so I get home and start dinner. By then all my energy is gone. I’m sure it’s mostly because these last two weeks have been spent preparing for back-to-school. Finally the kids are settled and I am dog tired. I can hardly keep my eyes open so I lay on my bed to “rest” a while. That rest turned into full-on sleep.
My son wanted me to help him with a worksheet but I could barely keep my eyes open much less talk. We managed to get it done and get them ready for bed. Not long after they went to bed I went to bed too, thinking how exhausting back to school is.
Empowerment is Yours!
Rockin’ Single Mom Sam
Back to School is Exhausting, Part 2
Posted by: | CommentsIn the first part of my back-to-school tale I told you about taking my kids to the health department for health screenings and shots. My son is a riot and didn’t expect that it would not hurt like he thought it would. My daughter on the other hand felt differently because she cried like a baby. Here is the rest of the tale:
Since they are going to two different schools on opposite sides of town I tried to plan my route the best way I could. I didn’t work. I still ended up driving all over the place. Fortunately the registration process was quick and painless. The dreaded affidavit that required a notarized signature was done right in the office, yeah! The ladies who helped me at both schools were very helpful and kind. I don’t think I could have dealt with a rude person very well after the morning at the health department.
Then next stop on the back to school tour was back to school shopping. This event was timed perfectly with the Grand Opening of a new Target store so the prices were great. I was able to get all the school supplies at a reasonable price, plus extras for later in the semester. Clothes shopping would have to wait until I got paid again but the kids were content because they had new backpacks and school stuff. I’ve learned a valuable lesson about buying school clothes; don’t spend an insane amount of money for them, especially for my son. So I head on over to the local thrift store and search for jeans. Most of the time, the jeans are in very good condition and barely worn. I got two pairs for my son and three pairs for my daughter. The next stop was Walmart for shirts at $3.50-$5.00 each, so I spent less than $60 for clothes. They’ll look great for the first few weeks of school and I’ll go back to the thrift store for more jeans as they outgrow and wear out the ones they already have.
Both schools have an open house that we attend to meet the teachers and tour the school. It is scheduled between 4-6pm so I have to go after work. I was not prepared for the massive amounts of people there as most parents are like me and arriving after work. It is confusing and loud at the entrance and instructions have to practically be shouted in my ear. We are rushed through each station after we find the classrooms and teachers. There is more paperwork and instructions to work through but we make it. The final stop is the cafeteria to make sure the kiddies have accounts for their meals. I shell out money for both of them and spend in excess of $80 on lunch accounts, P.E. uniforms and lockers before school even starts, sheesh!
Empowerment is Yours!
Rockin’ Single Mom Sam
