Some people may wonder why I decided to go back to school at
my age. Well, simply said it’s because of my son. I already have a few degrees,
business and hotel/restaurant management. My initial intention career-wise was
to work in the hospitality industry and travel around the world. Shortly after
I got hired by Hilton I had the little guy. After I stayed home with Andrew
for a year I thought I had better prepare
for a more 9-5 type of job, didn’t think the long hours and 7 day-a-week work
schedules of hotel employees was really the best thing to do as a single
mother. I grew up with a mother who was a nurse and I hated her working crazy hours
and holidays, I didn’t want to do that to my son. So, when Andy was 2 I went
back to school at Raritan Valley Community College and earned my Paralegal
Certification. I was never able to get my foot in the door as a paralegal because
I lacked the all-important experience. So, I just continued my job as a
substitute high school teacher.
When Andy started school I decided I wanted to be a teacher full-time so I went back Raritan Valley to start my studies. Unfortunately in the beginning of that fall semester was when he was diagnosed with autism. I was able to leave school and take care of all the new challenges that were in front of us. Suddenly my calendar was filled with appointments with all sorts of professionals who were supposed to be helping my son. School went on the back burner longer than anticipated due to my own battle with illness as well. A few years later, however, once Andrew was settled into an appropriate school, I was too bored just staying at home. So, that’s how I ended up here at wonderful Kean University for a second time. I am in my final year of post-bachelor’s work in the hopes of eventually teaching high school English. It doesn’t bother me to be “old” and in school, I know that being a teacher will be something that I will love and give me the best opportunity to be there for my son when he needs me. It’s the best of both worlds!
When Andy started school I decided I wanted to be a teacher full-time so I went back Raritan Valley to start my studies. Unfortunately in the beginning of that fall semester was when he was diagnosed with autism. I was able to leave school and take care of all the new challenges that were in front of us. Suddenly my calendar was filled with appointments with all sorts of professionals who were supposed to be helping my son. School went on the back burner longer than anticipated due to my own battle with illness as well. A few years later, however, once Andrew was settled into an appropriate school, I was too bored just staying at home. So, that’s how I ended up here at wonderful Kean University for a second time. I am in my final year of post-bachelor’s work in the hopes of eventually teaching high school English. It doesn’t bother me to be “old” and in school, I know that being a teacher will be something that I will love and give me the best opportunity to be there for my son when he needs me. It’s the best of both worlds!
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