When I graduated from high school and my undergrad, there was this feeling of void that I felt. I remember being so inconsolably upset that that chapter in my life was ending; it felt so incomplete. When I walked across the stage today though, I was just happy. I have wanted to be an ESL teacher since I was in high school and I ended up stalking my graduate program for 3 years straight before applying. I cried crazy tears for joy when I was accepted and I learned… a lot. I’m filled with gratitude that I was able to follow this dream and proud I can now say that I have a master’s degree.
Can I just say that going to graduate school is the second hardest thing I’ve ever done? However, going to grad school while teaching is the hardest thing I most definitely have done. I had times I wanted to quit or delay everything. My first week of grad school, my sister died. During that same first semester I was in two separate car wrecks where I was injured. There were so many things to overcome and work through- I had such a great support in Devin and friends I made though and I will be forever grateful for that.
I’ve learned so much more than just about textbooks. I’ve learned how to drive and navigate Atlanta- the craziest. There were so many times I had to tell myself “Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore” as I dealt with different issues like men offering to “pay me for services” in between classes as well as a host of other things. I made friends with people literally from all over the world. I learned words for experiences I had experienced, but didn’t know how to verbalize.
