Lots of Ups and Downs

Ever since I received my acceptance letter from the nursing program, I've been going through an abundance of emotions.

When I opened the letter I got from Sierra College and I began to read it, I was reluctant to believe what I was reading. Maybe the words just weren't translating correctly in my head. It couldn't be. No one gets into the nursing program on the first try. That just doesn't happen. I had to read the first paragraph a couple of times before I realized that I did in fact get accepted into the program. I was thrilled beyond belief!!! But then I began reading further down.

My heart sank to my stomach when I read the next couple of paragraphs. I guess due to my address change the letter arrived to me weeks late. Enclosed in the envelope was other paperwork that the nursing department wanted back by April 22nd. I opened the envelope on the 27th. I was so upset! I thought to myself that this possibly couldn't be happening to me. How lucky was I to get in on the first try only to have forfeited my spot due to mail issues?!? I broke down in the bathroom, and was quiet the rest of the night. I had a hard time falling asleep because I was so distraught.

Tai and I drove to Sierra College the first thing the next day. I was so nervous. I had no idea what to expect when I walked into the nursing office. Tai said that we would not take 'No' for an answer, and that we weren't leaving until we secured my spot in the program.

Well...

Luckily, the administrative assistant for the nursing department was so nice. She said that it was no big deal that I didn't get the forms to them in time, and that I was still in the program if I wanted to be. I filled out my forms and left there with the biggest smile on my face. As Tai and I walked back to the car, I couldn't help but think that this is the beginning of a better life for us. It's been so hard this past year. Things are finally looking up for us. Just two years of hard work then we'll finally be stable. It was a relief to know that it isn't always going to be this hard.

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I went to my TEAS testing just this past Tuesday. They're only requiring a score of 67% so I wasn't too worried about it. The exam was on the computer which was a change from the fill-in-the-bubble types I took previously, and I was timed. I wasn't too happy about that but I trudged on of course. Though I ran out of time on the math portion, I was still able to get more than what they required.

They also handed out an information packet. It had a lot information on what's to come, and what we need to take care of before the actual orientation in August. I began to feel overwhelmed about everything. About the money mostly. The department sent me a list of expected fees for the duration of the four semesters of the program. I almost about had a heart attack when I read that books alone are going to cost me almost $900!!! I've had a headache thinking about school two days in a row now. Tai says that I think too much and that I'm stressing myself out, which is probably true. Alright it's true.

My EFC (Expected Family Contribution) is $0 when I filled out my FAFSA, so I'm really hoping that I can get enough financial aid to cover at least for the first semester. I won't find out for another two weeks or so.

So through all of my emotions of elation, sadness, and stress, all I can really feel at the end of the day is fortunate. I know I'm lucky to have bypassed the years of waiting around, and for that fact, I'm not taking anything for granted anymore.

I'm excited to start my journey to becoming a nurse. School starts August 31, 2009, which happens to be the day after my birthday :-) I'm gonna work my butt off to prove that even with a job and a two year old, I will be able to succeed.