Education

By | March 7, 2013

 

Education

Folks, I am married to an education addict. My husband is in the middle of his second round of grad school and can sometimes be found daydreaming about a postdoc. The passion, energy, and diligence required for his academic journey is somewhat akin to that of an athlete—at least, that’s what he likes to tell me.

 

We are both in our late twenties, have two small children, and while most of our off-campus friends are planting roots and building their homes, we are still in what I like to call “the great transition.” Contrary to what you might believe, I am not bitter about this extensive transitional period. I know my husband will be successful and realize his goal of being a professor of philosophy. This transition, though lengthy, is merely a transition.

Sometimes, though, it is good for me to get a little “refresher course” on why we’re not yet planting those roots and signing a mortgage. Here’s our recent refresher dialogue.

Me: Darling, could you remind me again why we’re still in school.

Him: Because school is so fun! I’d be in school forever if I could.

Me: Not an option. Try again.

Him: Ok, it’s not necessarily ‘education’ that I am addicted to. What I’m addicted to is asking questions and finding answers. As Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” I want to live that examined life.

Me: You have been in school too long. Try again.

Him: I want to spend the rest of my life doing what I love. Getting to talk philosophy and igniting that passion in others is what this is all about.

Me: You know, you will have been in school long enough to be a doctor.

Him: Well, I am going to be a doctor. Doctor of philosophy. Boom!

Me: I meant, like, you know a medical doctor. The kind that drives a BMW and has a lake house. Oh, and heals people.

Him: I don’t recommend this career choice for everybody, but for me it just makes sense. Honestly, can you see me doing anything else?? I know I won’t be rich, but I see the perks as loving my job, getting to wear a tweed jacket, and having summers off. It’s a pretty sweet gig.

Actions speak louder than words, right? Even without all the words from our discussion, one thing was clear to me: my husband LOVES what he is doing right now, and if he can stay within the realm of education for the rest of his life he will be a very happy man.

This passion for education does not belong to him alone. I actually had both my kids while in grad school. That’s right. I did grad school, too. Unfortunately, I have yet to finish my degree.

I have taken all of the coursework for an MA in English Literature. I loved going to class and being part of a community of fellow learners. Grad school is way more fun than undergrad because everyone is passionate about their  studies.

Why haven’t I finished?

Well, its actually quite difficult to have TWO people in school when you have small children. My plan is to finish my thesis when I have both kids in school. Finishing strong is a huge priority for me–one that I think about often. I come from a family where education is highly valued, and now I want to instill that passion in our children. Shouldn’t be too hard considering how hyped up their daddy is about learning.

If there is one thing I want my kids to take away from this part of their childhood its that education is a sacrifice, but it is also exciting.

Living on a university campus is a very inspiring place to be. I get to see people work towards their dreams, and sometimes, I get to see those dreams come true. I remember when we first moved here watching a husband come home from defending his dissertation. His wife met him on the playground with a bottle of champagne.

Just yesterday I watched as another one of my neighbors ran out of her house to tell her husband some good news. She could barely get the words out, she was so full of emotion. After much sacrifice, she has finished her Ph.D. program and got her dream job as a tenure track professor at a UC school.

My eyes filled with tears as I watched the two of them hug and cry on our weathered playground. They have both worked so very hard for this dream. Being married to someone with the same dream, it was extremely encouraging to get to see them shine.

 I’ve changed my mind. We don’t have to wait for a house payment to plant roots. Our roots have already been planted in this fabulous journey called education.
Change is inevitable. But, making change happen when you want it to can be hard. And when you want to make a real change, you need to learn something new. Because education is the key to change, Kaplan has spent 75 years re-writing the rules of education. Because they believe that education is not one size fits all. A system focused on the needs of individuals can give students the power to change their lives. Kaplan wasn’t satisfied with the status quo, and you shouldn’t be either. To jumpstart your change, we encourage you to watch Kaplan’s video series, Visionary Voices, to hear the latest insights on emerging trends from notable thought leaders; participate in Kaplan’s ADVANCE: Career. Education. You. group on LinkedIn to connect with professionals committed to life-long learning; and connect with students, alumni and educational professionals at StudentAdvisor.com, Kaplan’s one-stop-shop for the latest education news, reviews, and advice.

I’d love to hear from you and learn how education has given you the power to change! Leave a comment below and be entered to win a $100 VISA gift card!

Official Rules:

No duplicate comments.

You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

  1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
  2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
  3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
  4. For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 3/7/2013-3/31/2013

Be sure to visit the Kaplan Brand Page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

 

139 thoughts on “Education

  1. Susan Ladd

    Education is a must to get a good paying job in this job market these day. I want to thank you for this awesome sweep and hope to win ???? Thanks !!!

    Reply
  2. cassandra

    Education gives me the power to do whatever I want and be confident

    Reply
  3. joni

    Education gave me the options for my future. Although I didn’t use it the way I intended.

    dolniaks at consolidated dot net

    Reply
  4. Wild Orchid

    tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/314023279218282497

    Reply
  5. mickeyfan

    I work in an industry (insurance) that is constantly changing and unless you keep yourself educated about those changes, you will be left behind.

    Reply
  6. Rebecca Graham

    Education has given me the power to have a long career doing a job I love and has supported my family.

    Reply
  7. Ann

    Education is the best. I would love to get degrees in several

    areas but don’t have the time.

    Reply
    1. hillary

      Me too! I have so many interests and when you get in a great class it is the best! I’ll settle for some good books though ????

      Reply
  8. Katharina

    My education has given me the power to change because I’m not afraid to take risks.

    It’s also given me the self-confidence to know that I will be making educated decisions.

    Katharina angelsandmusic[at]gmail[dot]com

    Reply
  9. Janice Cooper

    Education has given me the power to change by learning how to interact with co-workers, agents, and clients due to my job. I’ve had the pleasure to work in the insurance industry for over 20 years. In fact my first professional job paid for my college degree in Business Management.

    Reply
  10. Tabathia B

    tweet
    https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/318505870004723713

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  11. Elena Brohmer

    Hi, Hil. Just dropping by as always– I check you out every week, and it’s fun to see someone still heaving through the uphill climb of grad education. GUESS WHAT???? This very day, I mailed off my MA thesis. That’s right. I’m done. Actually, I’ve been done since January, but I had to get signatures and all that jazz. Know what? I miss it. I miss long hours of studying something I love, writing so much that I can’t remember what I’ve discussed and what is still in existence only on post-its around my house. I miss interrupting my husband to write something down because his phrasing was better than mine. I miss the books. I miss rubbing elbows with the people who love what I love.

    Reply
  12. Ellie W

    I was pregnant with my third son while finishing my first semester of college courses. I thought it was important to finish no matter how hard it was at the time. It helped me get a good job afterward getting my degree and give my kids a better life.

    Reply
  13. ky2here

    My education taught me that people who think, feel and behave differently are not wrong.

    Reply
  14. Amanda Sakovitz

    https://twitter.com/aes529/status/318516512329723905

    Reply
  15. sy

    tweet: https://twitter.com/syytta/status/317154829359263746

    songyueyu at gmail

    Reply
  16. Susan in the Boonies

    I tweeted! https://twitter.com/BoonieSooze/status/310189641846366209

    Reply
  17. Jill H

    Education gave me the opportunity to get a higher paying job when I got out of school

    Reply
  18. Margaret Smith

    Education has given me the confidence to look for a better job.

    Reply
  19. Robert Pyszk

    I graduated high school. I’m 35 and working at a gas station . failure in life

    Reply
  20. Kirsten

    It helped my self-esteem and to value the power of education while passing that down to my daughters.

    Reply
  21. Nicole Larsen

    tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/318489391477694464

    Reply
  22. Sarah L

    At age 64 I enjoy taking all kinds of classes. Right now it’s essential oils and gardening classes.

    Thanks for the contest.

    Reply
  23. Thomas Murphy

    education has opened the door to many unexpected opportunities for me.

    Reply
  24. Wild Orchid

    Having an education took me from being a secretary to an accountant! It really gives you a chance to boost your career and definitely gave me more options.

    Reply
  25. Chelsea Harcleode

    https://twitter.com/astoldbychelsea/status/309766266514718721

    Reply
  26. angie lilly

    Education introduced me to world history and taught me that we all live in our own reality based on this history. Everything is relative to that. That was a huge change in thinking for me.

    Reply
  27. Stephanie V.

    Education (and putting myself through undergrad at UC Berkeley and graduate school) is the whole reason I have a career, am confident and diverse, and can lead my family and career in forward motions — to change whenever life demands it!

    tvollowitz at aol dot com

    Reply
  28. Mary Calabrese

    My education has lead me to my current job where I help thousands of college students finance their educations.

    Reply
  29. Nicole Larsen

    Education has given me power to be a veterinary technician. I am a stay at home mom now but attended college for a vet tech, so if i choose to go back I can!

    Reply
  30. angie lilly

    I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/317678641679060992

    Reply
  31. CharityS

    https://twitter.com/ccboobooy/status/318203462619897858

    Reply
  32. Alison M.

    My education has sent me to the next level at my career.

    Reply
  33. Shauna

    I love your blog! I come from a family where higher education was not at all encouraged or discouraged. There was this sort of apathy towards it that I could never understand. I lived at poverty level with a single mom who made a lot of poor choices financially, romantically and even as a parent. It was the father of my best friend who lovingly told me “Shauna, do whatever it takes to get a college degree. Take out student loans, but you need to get a degree.” So that is what I did. At seventeen I took the initiative and found my own school, filled out all my own forms for financial aid, had my boyfriend (who is now my husband) drive me to Nashville from Georgia to my interviews and like Nike says, I just did it. It took me multiple schools and ten years to finally settle on a major and get my degree, but now I am a successful Certified Emergency Room Nurse with a Bachelor Degree in Nursing Sciences who works as a Charge Nurse for a busy Level II Trauma Center in Boise, Idaho. Yep. I’m super proud of what I do because statistically I should be so different from what I am today. Education is such a powerful gift. It doesn’t matter how long it takes or the fact that I changed from an art major to a science major. What matters is I did it. I broke out of the statistic and have a life where I can contribute back to the community around me.

    Reply
    1. hillary

      You go girl! Your story is truly an inspiration. Thank you for sharing it here. I love hearing how people make a path for themselves and rise above the status quo.

      Reply
  34. anash

    Education has given me the power to adapt to the changing landscape of the workforce which is less manufacturing and more computer know how.

    Reply
  35. Elena

    My education allowed me to be able to help other people and make a difference

    Reply
  36. Susan Smith

    https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/318455149024653313

    Reply
  37. Solducky

    https://twitter.com/DuckyBunny/status/316986990371430401

    Reply
  38. Kelly D

    Education has given me the power to change I attained my MBA several years again & many doors were opened in the workplace. This allowed me to move up within my career (which I will eventually return to) and have my ideas and opinions heard.

    Reply
  39. Maria Cantu

    I like that I can be a role model for my children so that they can go farther than I.

    Reply
  40. Chris Carter

    Education is so so valuable. And you will have tons of time to finish yours!! But ya know what I love best about this post? Your unconditional support of your husband’s dream. You’re right. Your roots are firmly planted right where you grow… ???? Embrace it all my friend!! ( having a medical doctor hubs wouldn’t be so bad though!!! Right?!)

    Reply
  41. Mami2jcn

    Even though I’m a stay at home mom now, I am really proud of the undergraduate and graduate degrees I earned. I think it sets a good example for my children to follow.

    Reply
  42. BusyWorkingMama

    My master’s has opened up new doors for me professionally. I get 40 hours of continuing professional education a year to keep up my CPA.

    Reply
  43. Tamar

    my education has gotten me inspired to go into a field i love and have been extremely successful at!!!

    Reply
  44. Kelly Massman

    Education gives me the power to realize that I have talent and that I can stick to something so I’m not afraid to try new things. ???? Thanks for a chance to win and have a great day!

    kmassmanATgmailDOTcom

    Reply
  45. Cynthia C

    Getting an education has given me the opportunity to have a satisfying lifetime career that has provided well for me and my family.

    Reply
  46. Paige Kellerman

    That’s really something to be proud of. And what an exciting life! I still throw around whether I want to go back and get my masters in English, so huge props to you for working on that while you were pregnant!

    Reply
  47. Carolyn Daley

    Education has give me power to change by teaching me skills I can apply to everyday problems (budgeting, taxes, problem solving) and providing me the opportunity to get a better job based on the knowledge I have learned.

    Reply
  48. Nancy

    Education has opened many doors for me. It also gave me the confidence to strike out on my own and know that I will always be able to support myself.

    Reply
  49. joni

    https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/318550689183825921

    dolniaks at consolidated dot net

    Reply
  50. Sean

    I was the first in my family to get a college education, and I am so glad I did. I was formerly a spec. ed. teacher and now a school psychologist. Without higher education, I would not have the opportunity to work at a job I love. I get to inspire kids everyday. Life is good.

    Reply
  51. Dee G

    I would totally put the money towards the trip we have coming up in June – My daughter gets to meet her grandpa for the first time.

    Reply
  52. Lisa Brown

    Higher education, and my business degree, opened many doors for me and opportunities, which allowed me much personal growth and change.

    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  53. marie

    im hoping to go back to school-

    hoping it opensmany doors!!

    Reply
  54. Jessie C.

    Higher education has given me more choices of life and work, I am able to do what I love while earning the living.

    Reply
  55. steve weber

    education gave me the skills I need to succeed in my career.

    Reply
  56. hollow tree ventures

    My education has given me flexibility – because I had two majors and a minor in college, I’ve been able to take advantage of many varied opportunities!

    Reply
  57. anash

    Tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/anashct3/status/317522073524252673

    Thanks for the chance to win!

    email: anashct1 [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply
  58. heather c

    Education has given me the ability to change my direction if I have an epiphany! Those are awesome, by the way.

    Reply
  59. Angel Jacklyn

    Optional 2nd entry here! https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/318212587013672961

    Reply
  60. Kate

    Whether it’s on a college campus or not, continuous learning is so important and wonderful thing to model for our children. Good luck to your husband, and your family!

    Reply
  61. Ellie W

    tweeted
    https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/309737609591128064

    Reply
  62. diane Baum

    Obtaining my degrees has greatly improved my feelings of self worth

    Reply
  63. Brenda Elsner

    Education has opened many doors and opportunities for me. It has also helped me boost my self-esteem and become more dependent.

    Reply
  64. Tabathia B

    It helped me gain marketable job skills which enabled me to get a great job

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  65. Katie K

    My education and GPA specifically helped me land a great job…Granted I got laid off less than a year later but it was a good experience before that

    Reply
  66. Lisa Brown

    2nd entry tweet – https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/311243029803589634

    jslbrown_03 at yahoo dot com

    Reply
  67. Natalia

    I didn’t want to go to college at all when I was in high school, but I am SO glad I did!! I feel like I have a starting point to do anything I want to do. Thanks for the chance to win! ????

    Reply
  68. Chelsea Harclerode

    Now a sophomore in college, I’ve learned an immeasurable amount about the world in the past two years. My college education has given me the power to change by challenging me to really THINK about my views and listen to why others might see it differently. I’ve learned that intelligence comes in many forms and that is a beautiful thing.

    Reply
    1. hillary

      Wonderful to hear! Especially from someone who is still in the midst of college education!

      Reply
  69. sarah hirsch

    my education has given me a great foundation. i feel strong and able to make great decisions, as well as make persuasive arguments if i need to convince others along my path to change

    Reply
  70. Leslie Farrar

    Education gave me a surprising change. Completing my second undergraduate degree left me without a position so I’m a stay at home mom now. While it’s not what I expected, it’s better than I could have wished for. ????

    Reply
  71. Susan in the Boonies

    Education allowed me to expand my horizon, change cities, change careers, and achieve every dream I longed for. I thank God for all the doors it has opened to me.

    Reply
    1. hillary

      Lovely! As Victor Hugo said, “He who opens a school door, closes a prison.”

      Reply
  72. Amy Tong

    In my culture, academic and education is the most important part of raising our next generation. I’m proud to say I’m a college graduate and my husband is current in Grad school. I think it’s important that we set a good example for our kids how important education is.

    Reply
  73. Pauline M

    I didn’t take the easy way of obtaining my college education, but my company was really supportive, paid most of my tuition and allowed me to attend toward the end during work hours. It’s allowed me the ability to get some increases in pay and promotions into management positions. As a single mom, it’s great knowing that I can support my family on my own.

    Reply
  74. Adrienne Gordon

    It allows me to be able to run my own business successfully.

    Reply
  75. Susan Smith

    My education empowered me to make choices, which definitely changed my life. I have chosen to stay home with my children now and when they are older and in school I can choose to work part or full time. I have more choices with the education I have.

    Reply
  76. Lynn

    Best of luck to you and your husband!

    Both of my parents are immigrants. I am a first generation college student studying healthcare. I hope to change the world by helping patients get better and providing for my parents so they can have the retirement they deserve.

    Reply
    1. hillary

      Ok, this is seriously the most inspirational comment on here. Thank you so much for sharing with us. And best of luck to you as well!

      Reply
  77. patricia skinner

    Education gives you the confidence to change. I changed many things over the years and I plan to keep growing and change in the future.

    Reply
    1. hillary

      Amen, sista! I love that I have been able to change things about myself that I didn’t have the confidence to tackle before.

      Reply
  78. Christina Martinez

    Change? For me, I say defined me. The first time I traveled back to Riverside after completing my BA I couldn’t help but weep (and I am not a crying person). I could write forever about all the experiences in those 4.5 years. Just getting to college was a challenge, as a ADHD kid I was always told how slow I was and wasn’t expected to do much (education was). It was SO tough, especially being married my hubby would knock out a paper in one hour and there I was planning an all nighter (geez). But I finished. I graduated. I finished in 4.5 years and had a baby girl half way through. I finished. I can’t say it enough, and forever I know how hard I can push myself. Forever I know I can finish whatever task put in front of me. Not that I am perfect but I know I can work hard and I learned how to ask for help when I’m struggling. Above all, I learned to rely on Christ. He provided that peace the surpasses all understanding, provision when rent was due and we were out if food, and strength when research papers were due, baby was crying, and I didn’t remember the last time I had slept.

    Reply
    1. hillary

      Way to go, girl! I had no idea you had ADHD. That is a huge accomplishment and you should always be so proud. Just having a baby in school is huge but when you add the added challenge of ADHD I’m just in awe. You rock.

      Reply
  79. Paige Kellerman

    Btw, here’s my tweet…;) https://twitter.com/PaigeKellerman/status/309854994004312064

    Reply
  80. Jessica To

    My higher education has allowed me to provide for my son and I in a way I couldn’t without it.

    Reply
  81. Shirley Zolenski

    My education has given me the power to have choices at many different jobs

    Reply
  82. sy

    I got my job from a campus recruiting event at my school, for the degree I was studying, and moved to the us because of my job, I like my job and I’m grateful for the education that got me this job.

    songyueyu at gmail

    Reply
  83. Alison

    So the giveaway is cool and all, but I really just had to comment Hillary!! I still haven’t finished that dang 1unit either. Muuuhahahaha!! It’s nice to not be alone in that, so I hope you feel better too ???? it’s so hard with little kids and busy husbands. I wish we could have just finished it in that dang research class ???? it was time consuming enough!! But as a wife who’s husband just graduated and realized his dream recently, I gotta say its soooo worth it!! Hang in there mama. And I miss those classes with you!! It was fun in a nerdy way ????

    Reply
    1. hillary

      I am SO encouraged by you, Alison! Because even though you haven’t finished yet either, you HAVE had four babies, moved twice, broken bones, and homeschooled throughout the whole thing. And your kids are your number one priority. The thesis can wait. Our kids cannot. And you know, I’m sort of already realizing my dream as a writer in this blog and supporting my family this way. So take that, MA thesis! hehe

      Reply
  84. Amanda Sakovitz

    I’m going to school now to be a rad tech. It’s a two year program and its hard, I’m not going to lie. Thankfully I graduate in May but I’ve gotten to know myself better during this program than I ever have before and I think its made me stronger and a little more confident.

    Reply
  85. Nikki

    I hated school but am so glad it wasn’t an option in my house growing up to not go to college or not do well & not graduate! Good luck to you guys!

    Reply
    1. hillary

      Thank you! Even if its not a pleasant experience, education is always going to make you better in some way.

      Reply

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