After the procession of events last year (when my husband and I separated and I moved) I realized the education I received when I was a young adult was not enough to further myself in this or a new career. For sometime now...possibly a couple of years or more...I've been wanting to go back to school. What has kept me from doing so is money, or better stated, the lack of money. I never wanted to accumulate student loans because as a teenager I heard professionals discussing the amount of loans they had amassed. I never wanted to start my life out with a debt over my head so I just didn't finish college. Logical right?
I have a good friend who convinced me that the value of an education was underestimated in today's society. Furthering my educational career would never be a bad thing. I looked at several different schools and programs. This friend, Charles, suggested AIU...American Intercontinental University. The school has proper accreditation and has a course just for me. I am going to seek a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art with emphasis in Digital Design.My Friend, Charles
The tuition for this school is much less than traditional university's in the area and other on-line schools did not offer the right program for me. I thought if I am going to dish out the money and effort for a degree, I am going to have a diploma in something I can and will use...not finance or business administration (snooze).
Good news where my employer is considered. Since I work for Cox Communications, I am entitled to a tuition discount from AIU. Also, after being on the job a year, I am eligible for tuition reimbursement from Cox. They pay 100 percent of tuition if it relates to my job or a possible promotion (and I pass with a minimum of a C average).
Something else I've decided to do, something to help supplement my income and maybe pay for vacations (since the awesome company Cox gives 2 weeks available immediately). I am going to sell items through parties...similar to Pampered Chef or Southern Living or Home Interiors, but NOT. I have put some money aside and plan to buy a kit in the NEAR future. If I work it right, I should make enough money at one party to pay for my kit. Anyone interested can email me at lisa.jackson.duke@gmail.com.
A lot has changed since a year ago. I have a plan for my life, and it doesn't include livin' from paycheck to paycheck. I plan to retire early and see the world. I firmly believe that life is for living. I am willing to sacrifice now to be able to play later.
Speaking of sacrifice. The other night I was at a restaurant with roommate and a gentleman seated next to us was speaking loudly. I couldn't help but overhear him. He was talking to three friends and the topic was children. He said, "People who don't have kids are selfish and don't know what its like to make sacrifices." I wonder if he really thought about what he said, of if he was speaking out of jealousy. I think that was a truly insensitive comment. The really bad thing is that was not the first time I've heard that comment. Someone at church made the same comment about two years ago. Tell me what you think, email me or leave a comment.
Until next time.
1 comment:
First of all, your education is very important, just like your friend has told you. We are very happy to hear that you are pursuing higher education that will help you in your career and will be here to help any way we can. We are very proud of the way you have turned things around and seem to be moving on towards a happier life. As far as the comment that was made by the man at the restuarant, I feel you hit the nail on the head when you said his comments indicated jealousy. I feel sorry for his children. Having children is a very personal choice, some choose to have, some to have not, and some have no choice. To lump everyone who has no children into one group is both ignorant and insensitive. Kudos to you for bringing this out.
Love, Mom
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