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Tobin S.

(10,418 posts)
Sun Jun 29, 2014, 10:27 AM Jun 2014

I'm going to graduate from college in December.

I'm taking three classes this summer and I've signed up for my final three classes in fall semester. I just filled out my application for graduation and I'm going to turn it in next week.

I had two years of college right out of high school, but I didn't return to finish my degree until May of 2012, almost 20 years later. Surprisingly to me, almost all of my credit from back then transferred. I had 70 hours of credit putting me a little over half way to my degree. I need 120 credit hours including the required classes to graduate. I will have taken 63 credit hours by the time I graduate. I will also probably graduate with high distinction, having a 3.8 GPA or better. I currently have a 4.0, but it's in jeopardy this semester. I have a tough finance class that's kicking my ass right now. I'm pretty sure I'll be able to swing a 'B' in there, but a higher grade is in doubt.

When I have that degree in my hands it will be one of the proudest days of my life. I've worked very hard over the last couple of years, taking three classes almost every semester and working 50-60 hours a week. It's been like working two full time jobs. It's also caused some stress in my marriage at times: It's almost over now, honey, and we will be on our way to a better life.

35 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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I'm going to graduate from college in December. (Original Post) Tobin S. Jun 2014 OP
The light at the end of the tunnel! mnhtnbb Jun 2014 #1
Thank you! Tobin S. Jun 2014 #3
Congratulations, Tobin! femmocrat Jun 2014 #2
Thanks! Tobin S. Jun 2014 #4
Mazel tov! shenmue Jun 2014 #5
Gracias! Is that the same language? Tobin S. Jun 2014 #6
Close enough! shenmue Jun 2014 #8
Congratulations, Tobin !! Tuesday Afternoon Jun 2014 #7
Thank you. Tobin S. Jun 2014 #9
I'm about 7 years behind you Paulie Jun 2014 #10
I'm taking mostly online classes and this is how I feel every evening when I sit down at my computer Tobin S. Jun 2014 #12
me too sweetapogee Jun 2014 #33
Wel done, Tobin! Ptah Jun 2014 #11
Thank you! Tobin S. Jun 2014 #13
We are so excited for you. The changes you've made over the years... auntAgonist Jun 2014 #14
Thanks, Kesha Tobin S. Jun 2014 #19
Good for you. I'm proud of you and I don't even know you! nt Fla Dem Jun 2014 #15
Thank you! Tobin S. Jun 2014 #20
“It's hard to beat a person who never gives up.” rug Jun 2014 #16
10-4, rugster. Tobin S. Jun 2014 #21
Congrats! CherokeeDem Jun 2014 #17
Thanks! Tobin S. Jun 2014 #22
Congrats, my dear Tobin! CaliforniaPeggy Jun 2014 #18
Thanks, Peggy! Tobin S. Jun 2014 #23
I'm proud for you Tobin S. lovemydog Jun 2014 #24
Thank you. Tobin S. Jun 2014 #25
excellent lovemydog Jun 2014 #26
Congratulations!! I'm just thrilled for you! (and Jen whose part of the "team") nt riderinthestorm Jun 2014 #27
congratulations in advance! magical thyme Jun 2014 #28
BULLY FOR YOU! trof Jun 2014 #29
proud of you Dude rurallib Jun 2014 #30
Congrats! Tetris_Iguana Jun 2014 #31
Congrats! davidpdx Jun 2014 #32
Way to go! logosoco Jun 2014 #34
And we will all be here to party with you, Tobin! n/t DebJ Jul 2014 #35

mnhtnbb

(31,320 posts)
1. The light at the end of the tunnel!
Sun Jun 29, 2014, 10:32 AM
Jun 2014

Hang in there, Tobin! Great job!

Hope the job hunt goes well, too and all that hard work nets a nice 'pay day' for you!

Paulie

(8,462 posts)
10. I'm about 7 years behind you
Sun Jun 29, 2014, 12:25 PM
Jun 2014

Got my associates in 2012 (high school class of 1990). Next near I'll start the trek to finish the remainder. Would like to get my bachelors by before my grammar school daughter hits high school.

Congrats! Going to keep going for the masters? You're in the study habit now.

Tobin S.

(10,418 posts)
12. I'm taking mostly online classes and this is how I feel every evening when I sit down at my computer
Sun Jun 29, 2014, 12:35 PM
Jun 2014


Study habit? More like study slave!

I may go back to graduate school at some point in the future, but right now I just want to be done with school for a while. I also think it might be better for my health to take an extended break from school after I graduate. Otherwise, my wife might kill me.

sweetapogee

(1,168 posts)
33. me too
Mon Jun 30, 2014, 01:18 PM
Jun 2014

First off, Bravo Tobin S! There is something very cool about working adult non-traditional college students.

Paulie, I'm basically in the same situation. I have a B.S. liberal arts degree circa 1981. But I want another Degree in biological lab science. I just finished my 5th semester evenings. Next semester I'm in Gen Chem 2, then O Chem 1&2 and A&P 1&2. I will have taken all that my community college offers by spring of 2017, then off to a state univ. to finish the degree. Estimated graduation is spring 2020. I only had to take 1 gen ed class, all the rest are math and science, all difficults classes, most are 4 CH with labs.

My goal is to complete the degree with no debt. I have all of my costs covered except the books for last year. I'm not on any kind of time schedule, I can retire in 4 years if I so desire.

auntAgonist

(17,252 posts)
14. We are so excited for you. The changes you've made over the years...
Sun Jun 29, 2014, 01:20 PM
Jun 2014

The stress is hard at times I'm sure.

You've been very lucky to have a loving wife beside you, holding you up in every way, every day.

Get your proper rest and keep on keeping on.

The light at the end of the tunnel isn't a freight train, it's a path to a much better future.

Best wishes from both of us.

When things slow down, we can plan to get together again.



aA
kesha.

Tobin S.

(10,418 posts)
19. Thanks, Kesha
Sun Jun 29, 2014, 04:22 PM
Jun 2014

You and D. know where I've come from and have seen the changes. At least in the last ten years or so. My ability to adapt and change is one of my greatest assets. Without that ability I'd probably be dead right now.

I hope you are doing well and I look forward to seeing you two in the future. I'm sorry I didn't get back to you earlier when you posted. We had just stepped out to have dinner with my dad.

CherokeeDem

(3,709 posts)
17. Congrats!
Sun Jun 29, 2014, 03:24 PM
Jun 2014

Very impressive to be working full time and keeping that class load, not to mention such a high GPA.

You are a great role model to those who think that can't be done!

Can't wait to see pictures of you in your cap and gown, with your lovely wife beside you!

Now go study!

Tobin S.

(10,418 posts)
22. Thanks!
Sun Jun 29, 2014, 04:35 PM
Jun 2014

I've got all of my school work done for the week.

They only have commencement ceremonies once a year and that is in May after spring semester. I'm going to do that next year so I won't have any cap and gown pics for a while, but you can bet that I'll post them here when I do.

I was not encouraged to do well academically while I was growing up. I almost flunked the tenth grade and ended up going to vocational school my junior and senior years. When I was 19, and had a taste of what the blue collar world was like, it lit a fire under my pants and I went back to school for a couple of years and did well. Unfortunately, I became severely mentally ill when I was 20 and could not focus on studies anymore at that time. I had bipolar disorder.

It's been a long hard road getting back to where I should have been when I was 24. But I've made it, and I'm healthy now and happily married to a wonderful woman. If anyone you know would like to know what is possible about what people can overcome, you can tell them my story.

CaliforniaPeggy

(149,308 posts)
18. Congrats, my dear Tobin!
Sun Jun 29, 2014, 04:08 PM
Jun 2014

You have worked so hard, and all because you never lost sight of your goal.

And you know, December isn't that far away...

I'm really happy for you!

Tobin S.

(10,418 posts)
23. Thanks, Peggy!
Sun Jun 29, 2014, 04:42 PM
Jun 2014

I was going to go for a couple of extra semesters and take extra accounting classes then graduate in August 2015, but I decided against it. To do what I was going to do in accounting doesn't require the extra classes. It might make things easier in the long run, but I think I can do plenty well without them.

What I'm looking for now is just the right opportunity. I don't have a specific job that I have to have or a specific place where I have to work. I've talked to the general manager at my current employer and told him the deal. He couldn't tell me anything either way and said I'd have to talk to the owner when I graduated. That might really be the case or he may just be trying to keep where I am for as long as possible. Good drivers are hard to come by.

I'd like to stay there, but I don't have to. There are a lot of different directions I can go.

lovemydog

(11,833 posts)
24. I'm proud for you Tobin S.
Sun Jun 29, 2014, 05:35 PM
Jun 2014

This is something you'll be proud of all your life. You will do wonderful things in the present and future. Reach out to others on finding work and jobs. There's folks like me who love helping. Post questions, thoughts etc. here if you can. So many wise & kind folks here. Congratulations!

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
32. Congrats!
Mon Jun 30, 2014, 09:14 AM
Jun 2014

My advice, don't go back for a master's degree. I made that mistake and then decided it wasn't enough and am 4 years in on a doctorate. I agree with you, finance classes are tough (the second worst for me is accounting).

logosoco

(3,208 posts)
34. Way to go!
Mon Jun 30, 2014, 01:36 PM
Jun 2014

I finally got my Associates after 27 years of here and there classes (while raising three kids, working and helping out with grandkids). Right now I am not able to work because of physical issues, but I am helping take care of my grandsons so my daughter can get going in her career. So getting it has not helped me in the work force (yet!), but I am glad I can show my kids I did it.

I opted out of the cap and gown ceremony! I look awful in hats, especially a mortarboard! And I now have in my closet three bright blue gowns and one black one and I have no idea what to do with them! (I wish high schools and colleges had a rental service for these items, but the kids did keep the hats and honor cords!). But I look forward to your pictures of yours!
Best of luck and peace to you!

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