Project Working Mom:
Putting Education to Work

I'm so excited. I'm going to finish my communications degree at Ashford University. They will accept up to 99 transfer credits and I can take a class at a time every five to six weeks. Pretty crucial when you're working, have a family and are trying to go to school at the same time. But I'm going to do it.

It's been 23 years since I was in college, in a traditional college classroom. I was so disappointed. I didn't finish in four years, and I didn't have the finances to finish. Now I've had a career and worked in jobs I never expected. I've raised my son who is now in college. I've done some volunteer work that has made me very proud. But I still feel I've left this unfinished.

I want to start now. Patience isn't one of my best qualities. I know there's admissions, transfer credit evaluation, enrollment. But I'm so excited -- I want to get going. I can't wait to do this.

My start date is June 9. Hurray!

I cannot believe this has all transpired in two weeks. The college staff has been so friendly and on top of things. Sometimes I think this is all a dream and any moment my alarm will wake me up (another reason to hate alarm clocks!). But since I never dream this long or this vividly, it must be true! My books are on the way, I have real contacts, and there's an actual news release. By this time next week, I'll be knee-deep in my first class in 23 years.

Can you have virtual keg parties at online universities? (That's what my boss asked me. Unfortunately, all those funny thoughts about being a college student didn't even occur to me. I guess they don't when you're working two jobs, being a parent and wife, and going to school. No all-nighters, no dorm-floor parties.)

Hello to all, my name is Seana and I am new here.  I am a single mother of a 9 yr. old and I'm returning to school after 15 years. Next to my son, earning my degree is the greatest thing that will happen to me.  My son is even excited about his mom going to school like him.  He wants us to study together. He's so cute. I look forward to getting to know everyone here.  My start date is August 5th and I thought I'd never say this, but I CAN'T WAIT!!!

So it was your first day? Awesome. How is everything? Did you get books, did you find everything OK, is your advisement team OK?