Working Without Proper Education - Essay Example

Now, how was I going to pay my mortgage, heat my home, and feed my little family? By collecting Unemployment? It might help a bit, but it would not be enough.

At the time I took that job, I had planned on enrolling in college to get a degree in Nursing. But working full-time and raising my son by myself proved to be very demanding, so I decided to put school on the back burner for a while and concentrate on paying my debts and spending quality time with my son. It was at this time that I met a lovely man, and we decided that since we liked each other so much, we might as well commit to each other. We combined the money we were spending on rent and got a home for ourselves. We found a charming cape-cod-style house in Somerville with a yard big enough for my son and his two active golden retrievers. We thought we were the luckiest people alive!

Fast forward to February 14, 2004—our lucky streak ended. The job I had just lost was a union job that required only a high school diploma, and it paid well. Now I realized that without “proper” education, I could never make as much money as before. It was a difficult time, and I feared for the future of my family. But my lack of a college education trapped me where I was.

One day, while waiting for the blue unemployment checks to arrive, I ventured out on Route 22 West searching for a Walmart, and saw a sign that said “Raritan Valley Community College: next right.” Something took over me, and I made the right almost instinctively, which led me to the college campus. I found the perfect parking space and wandered into the building.

At the student advisement center, I poured my heart out to the college counselor. She listened and guided me through the college enrollment process, which was easier than I had thought. I did some research on their Nursing program and knew right away it was the degree I wanted to pursue. It was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life! I later came to realize that I loved college, making new friends, and just being in a learning environment. I think I will be a student for life.

Eventually, I found a great job working in the medical practice. I even turned down the union when they came calling with a job offer. I had decided to finish what I started in college, and I never looked back—a choice that sets a good example for my son as well. He's very proud of me—and one day his Mommy will be a Nurse and help others feel better. His sweet words made me feel lucky again.