Those who know me fairly well are probably aware that I have taken the plunge and am going to college in September to start the journey towards gaining a degree in Primary Education. My first step is this college course - Access to Social Sciences. Then after that it's hopefully off to the big bad world of University!
Currently I am stressing about finding childcare for my daughter while I am at college next year - we didn't get a space in our first choice nursery due to an overwhelming number of applicants so fingers crossed we get a space in our second choice (which is still a brilliant nursery - my eldest went there - and is only second choice in terms of proximity to the college. First choice is actually *in* the college).
I'm also having a bag/stationary dilemma. When I went to college the first time around, I was (fairly) fresh out of school and went for a backpack and a couple of pads and folders. This time around I need to be incredibly organised from the get-go or I'll end up sending scribbled notes to children's teachers on the back of assignments and losing all my pens bar the pink sparkly one with the massive feather sprouting from the top of it! So although I have held off until now, I can sense a trip to Paperchase or WH Smith on the horizon (pretty or functional? a lifelong dilemma).
If there are any parents out there who've successfully juggled parenthood with their studies reading this, I'd love to hear how it went (or is going) for you.
Good on you for getting back into education. I can't imagine it will be easy with kids but you'll manage! My mum went to uni when Andrew and I were young(I think I was about 7 when she graduated)and there's no doubt it's the best decision she ever made. Good luck! x
ReplyDeleteThanks Jenny, it's pretty daunting right now but I think it's the anticipation - once I've started hopefully I'll get into my stride. Well, that's the plan.
ReplyDeleteYeay. Welcome to my world.
ReplyDeleteI still haven't perfected this whole studying/motherhood/working malarky. I am one of those mothers who has written a note to teacher on the back of my uni notes. You are way more organised than I am though. I love the start of term stationary shop. I tend to frequent Paperchase because it's so pretty. Bag wise, although I have a wonderful Pigeon Street record bag, my Eastpak rucksack is what I use for uni (helpful for carting around lots of heavy library books).
Yaay! Are you still studying after summer? We could go stationary shopping together, sans kidlets (eg. via the pub)!
ReplyDeleteOh and I am *so* disorganised it isn't even funny. This is what's stressing me out the most!
Eileen, had you thought of maybe doing a bit of stationery shopping in France? That way you might get something a little bit different.
ReplyDeleteOooh that's a great idea Mum! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI go to college and look after rachel, it leaves me mental busy, especially since she's at school.
ReplyDeleteLuckily my mum takes her to her dance class and swimming lessons and I just collect her.
Julie
One thing you will NOT be getting is contriband stationery from my work. *whistles*
ReplyDelete@Julie argh you're scaring me now!
ReplyDelete@Mister_bee_ oh, of course not! And I most definitely do not want reporters notebooks and post its. Oh no. Not I. *hums*
oooh good luck missus :) and yes, go on you for getting back into edyoocayshun. :D x
ReplyDeleteHi, Thanks for joining the BMB Studying Parents group. I started my studying journey when my daughters were in infant & primary school, so I know what it's like to juggle. It can be done though, so good luck. I shall enjoy reading about your Access course, in many ways I enjoyed that more than the post-grad course I am doing now.
ReplyDeleteAs a PS - Post-it notes - the most important part of a mature student's bag!
ReplyDelete@lirazelf thank you my lovely x
ReplyDelete@Studentmum thanks for stopping by and saying hi! Any advice is gratefully received from you seeing as you've been there and done it!
I'm just about to do the same thing myself - I've spent 6 years getting my OU Literature BA and come September will be a full-time student once more doing my PGCE in Secondary English - I've already done uni once when I was the proper age - I feel quite weird about starting again now and am worried about being the oldest and how different my life is from first time students - I keep getting emails offering me student accommodation which just seems bizarre!
ReplyDeleteI keep telling myself that life experience is a valuable tool but I'm not buying it yet ;)
Good luck!
Yep that is all of my fears as well! I'm glad I'm doing the access course first though as I think it will ease me back into learning to study again gently (she says hopefully!)
ReplyDeleteHello:) I started uni mid-year last year, so I've been studying for a year now! I have three children (though not as young as yours) and although I find it tough at times, my sense of achievement at the end of each semester makes it all worth while. I look forward to following your journey!
ReplyDelete