Ready to Return to School Silver Hair and All

You wonder if it's the right time? Will it ever be? We are in the middle of pandemic and you want to do what?

It never fails every time I travel down a new road, there are potholes, roadblocks and detour signs.

I had no clue how I would pay for classes. I had no idea how I would pay for books. I had not idea if I could truly do this around my already trying schedule. I just went for it. I simply said I am going to do this now. Next term, next term was not going to present me with a better situation. Things would be the same or worse. I registered for 3 classes. On a payment plan, I would not be able to manage it. I dropped one of my auto tech classes...and prayed. Went through some things and finally received a grant. A grant that does not cover books, just tuition. Now what. I shared my situation, something I hesitated doing, at first. An earth angel, a complete stranger bought my books and electronic platform access, none of which is cheap. I was so thrilled and grateful.

After that stress, I became ill. The first class was just 3 weeks. Not a great idea to miss even one day. Things got heavier at work. Around the stretch it was clear my grandma was not going to make it. The same day I got the news she was going home to pass in peace, my car was taken. I went outside, went back in the house...went back outside...just in case I was seeing things. It was gone. I was less than 60 days late. Apparently, they can take a care 30 days behind or less and not have to notify you. This was crazy.

I had to move fast. I had a final exam that I could not miss. I had no ride to school. I missed a day but I had to be there the next day for the final and lab. through an entire day and half of stress and back and forth on the phone, using money I did not have and borrowing the rest, I got my car back the next afternoon. Never been through that before, one of the worst feelings and situations ever. I passed my final. I completed the first class. I was not really able to process my grandmother's death due to so many things going on with family, work, my health. I know that I will but not now. Whatever little bit of black, brown and red speckled hair I had left on my head is now all gray and white. Stress will run you down and it will kill you. You have to be stronger. You have to be ornery. You must be brave.

I am the oldest person in my class. One of two females. About half of the class is already working in the industry. It can be intimidating at times. Some of the safety issues and potential dangers that you don't think about regarding working on cars with the electrical components, fluids and chemicals can be a bit scary. But you over educate yourself on these things and follow procedure. I try to have fun somewhere in there. There is so much to try to learn in a short period of time plus, life. The 2nd class is 6 weeks. I am still hanging in there. That has been a real adventure.

This year in general has been nothing but trials and tribulations but you try to focus on the good stuff. When life throws you curve balls, you catch them and throw them back. Hard.