Jhonny Serrano
Getting a bachelor degree is one of the most wanted goals for everyone but a highly important effort for those who, by being parents, have to deal with their busy schedule to accomplish it. Since I got married, I have to put off my studies in order to work a second job just to be able to make enough money to meet our budget. I may have to say I wasn't financially ready for that big step.
My wife was an International student and for legal reason she had priority to continue in school no matter what. We were so busy with our schedule that we could barely see each other during the week. I was busy working throughout the day and some evenings/weekends; she was also at school during evenings and study over the weekend. It was too hard during that time. Six months later we found out my wife was expecting a baby… Woo! They were amazing news even though we didn't look for one yet. At this point things got harder!
We were lucky that my wife had our baby while she was doing her OPT (Optional Practical Training), so she didn't have to skip classes. I have always wanted to be able to study and continue my careers goals but I at this point, I was the only one working and taking care of our financial responsibilities. I was just sleeping 4 to 5 hours every day and it last for almost 2 years until I was able to get a new job. Now being a Dad of a beautiful daughter made stronger to continue working hard but it also raises another question: How am I going to be able to accomplish our family goals and the need to get back to school…? New family members always come with blessings.
I'm now a Help Desk administrator for a nonprofit organization that helps build democracy in other countries. I have forced myself to self-study through books, finding free online training for subjects related to my career and has helped me a lot. I can spend more time researching on the internet and it has been amazing all the things that I have learned great tools! I have also received training through my job which has been very helpful but no enough as if I could have been accomplished my desired dream of "Being a professional parent" so when my children find out everything we went through and did for ourselves and for them as well, they can follow our model.
Now I'm here writing these words to you, who can possible make parents like me to accomplish what they have always desired: Get their careers completed. I know one day will come and I will be there, lifting my diploma, just as I dreamed. Saying that everything can be possible if, just believe it.