The open door to a new opportunity

[the-ambitious-student]

A calling . . .

It is funny how we are certain what our path is, and then God comes in and tells us he is going to change our direction. I personally have tried the college path more than once and failed. I had myself psyched out that I was not college material for the longest time. I had actually given up the idea of ever obtaining my degree. God said, don't give up because I am not done with you yet. That is when he put Full Sail University directly in the middle of my path. I am a firm believer, that God used Full Sail as a tool to prove to me that the very thought I had been saying to myself for so long was simply not true.

For the last 7 months I have been pursuing a Sports Marketing degree at Full Sail University. I could not be more thankful for the professors, classmates and student liaison staff at Full Sail University. They have helped me achieve a 4.0 GPA through hard work, adversity and there may or may not have been a conversation with the Lord mixed in there. I was just getting ready to start storytelling in marketing class when God put something on my heart.

I was not sure what to do with the feeling he put on my heart. So I did what any normal person would do, I prayed. Then, I prayed some more. I started making it a point to listen extra hard for God's voice on what he wanted me to do. I started going with my son every Sunday morning and sharing coffee with him. We talked about our struggles, and the things that were challenging us. It turned out to be one of the best things we had ever done. It is funny, when we truly start listening, I mean really listening to God, his voice is so loud.

Be careful when you ask God for an answer, because he is surely to answer. Psalm 37:4-5 says "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act." So that is exactly what I did. I cannot tell you how I feel when I talk about my God and make him the center point. It is a feeling like no other and if you ever want to share it with me, then you can drop me a line any time. I have started putting a daily scripture out on my social media platforms to try and get God's word out on the platform I have. I feel like for the first time in a long time, I know the direction that I am supposed to be going.

That being said, I am working on transferring to Grand Canyon University to get my Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an emphasis on youth leadership. It looks like all my credits are going to transfer to the new school and GCU is going to let me do the program with alternating core classes and classes with my major. We are in a time now where we need God in our hearts more than ever. The media out there wants us to be divided, but God wants us to pull together to be the body of Christ. I am not expecting this to be an easy path. In fact, I believe it will be quite the opposite. It will be a challenge both in my academics and my personal life. I say that, because when you start making Jesus Christ the center of your mind and the cornerstone of your decisions, the enemy tends to get stirred up and do whatever he can do to try and make you fail. But MY GOD is bigger than that. MY GOD is up to any challenge that the enemy can come up with. MY GOD didn't call me to this challenge to watch me fall on my face. He will be the light on my path when it gets dark and the strength to lift me up when I get tired.

Do yourself a favor today and make it a point to start listening for God's voice. I promise you, he will be there. Make it a point to start being a positive beacon in a world that is full of negativity. Start telling people how God has changed your life and how he makes you feel if that is the case. As usual, go out there and be a blessing to someone today. We are all part of the same body. Now is the time for us to start working together.

[the-ambitious-student]

The important things

Had you told me last year that I would be a student at Full Sail, I would have said that it was not in the cards. But then, somebody told me about Full Sail University. So I took the first steps and filled out the application. Fast forward 6 months and look at what Full Sail has given me.

I am wrapping up my Marketing Research class and currently have a 4.0 GPA. Anybody who knows me, knows that academics has never been my strongest skill. I don't usually take time to brag on myself, but I have to say that I am very proud of my last 6 months. It has not always been easy and if you are thinking about going back to school here is what I would say. Make school a priority but do not sacrifice the important things, no matter how small they seem. My family has been my rock and my biggest support system when it comes to school. They are understanding when it comes to me having to spend my nights doing homework or me having to leave in the middle of the night because the Fire Department alarm goes off. The professors have been my biggest tool in the toolbox when I did not understand one of the lessons they were teaching. I feel like too many times now days, people don't want to go to the teachers and ask questions.

But as good as a student as I am, that is not even my most important role. I am a first responder, a father, an employee, a husband, and a follower of Christ. There are times where I am not good in one of these roles and sometimes it is hard to give each role the proper attention each one requires. But if you take nothing else from reading my blog, please listen to what I say next. Time is such a precious thing. Do not waste it. Prioritize your family over everything else. As a man, be a role model for your family. Be the one your kids can come to in a time of struggle. Too many times, even recently, I have not always had the best approach when it comes to disappointment. Take time to make your kids know they are amazing and strong. Take time to make your spouse or partner know how much you treasure your time with them. Because, that is what is truly important. You can have the education, you can have a full bank account, and you can have all the material things your deepest desires could ever want. If you have all these things, and your family doesn't know they are a top priority, then you have failed in the biggest responsibility that God has given you. I struggle so hard sometimes with that concept. I am challenging everyone who reads this, to let me know you read it by joining me in a challenge.

I challenge anybody who reads this to do one activity a week with your kids, spouse or partner. It can be something as simple as hosting a game night. Right now is the perfect time to get into a habit. Tons of communities are doing fall festivals right now. So let's do this together. Let's start a movement that will sweep our families one household at a time. If you want to join me in this challenge just leave me a comment below. I can share my families calendar of events that we do or maybe we can host a group game night. Thanks for taking time to read my blog. As always, go out there and be a blessing to someone today.

[the-ambitious-student]

Volleying for experience

It was another great week for some volleyball at Wright State University. The competition between Wright State and Northern Kentucky was a battle back and forth right until the end. Northern Kentucky took the first two sets. Then Wright State came back and took the following two sets. They went into a tie-breaker set, where Northern Kentucky ended up victorious.

I was overseeing the scoreboard and ensuring everything was going well on that end. It was amazing to see the two teams and the adversity that the athletes had shown. At one point in the game, a player from Northern Kentucky had cut her hand, which forced a timeout. She ended up being okay and, there is still no telling how her hand had gotten cut. The same player later in the game had tweaked her knee and had to have the physical trainer help stretch her out on the sidelines before returning.

The adversity she showed reminded me of how going to school as an adult can sometimes be. Sometimes, trying to balance it all can be a challenge. It is not always easy to balance life with work and school. However, with the right amount of adversity and organization, anything is possible. The last few weeks volunteering at Wright State have been amazing. I am so thankful to the athletics department for allowing me to have this opportunity. On a separate note, I am looking forward to the next baseball season. I am hoping to land an internship with the Dayton Dragons. The opportunity with the dragons would show me everything from the front-of-the-house business to the duties dealing with fans and players. Thank you to anyone who took time to read this weeks blog on my volunteering opportunity. Remember to go out there and be bright spot in someone's life today. Until next time, stay safe and stay positive.

[the-ambitious-student]

Kicking the metaphorical ball towards the goal

I have recently been helping out at Wright State University in their athletics department. This past weekend I had the pleasure of working the Wright State vs. Youngstown State soccer game. I worked directly with the referees and coaches at the substitution table. It was a hot day for a soccer game; that did not stop the competitive spirit between the ladies of both schools. Looking at the players pushing themselves and giving it everything they had, put it into perspective some of my own goals.

Sitting out on that field and helping with the substitutions, I always try to look for different opportunities to assist the University since they are helping me. The one thing that stands out, the last three games I have helped out is the concessions. In terms of the soccer games, when it is hot, having someone out there in the mix with the fans pushing the concession stand would be a golden opportunity to bring in more revenue. It may be a matter of getting licenses and certifications. That may be one reason they have not pursued it. This has been a fun journey so far with Wright State University and I can not wait to see where this adventure will lead.

I fully intend on shooting for the stars on my goals. I encourage everyone to do the same. It does not matter how many times you fall as long as you keep getting back up. Full Sail University has opened up doors for me that I would not have considered before. For that, I will forever be grateful. Kobe Bryant once said, "Everything negative - pressure, challenges - are all an opportunity for me to rise." That statement is so profound and right on the mark. In my situation (and many other working students), the combination of work, school, and everything can be a challenge. However, as Kobe Bryant says, it is an opportunity for me to rise and show the world how to rise to a challenge. Thank you for taking a few minutes out of your day to spend reading my blog. Remember, go out there and be light to someones life. You never know what kind of difference it could be.

[the-ambitious-student]

Capturing the perception

For those that do not know, I have been in school now for almost 6 months. I am going to Full Sail University for my bachelor's in Sports Marketing and Media. The way the program works is it is one class a month for 29 months. There are times where it has been tough trying to balance the job, school, family and amongst all that trying to find a little glimpse of time for myself. I could not accomplish any of that without the support of my beautiful wife. She has been so my rock and my biggest supporter. That said I knew it would be like that when I decided to venture down this journey. When any adult decides to go back to school, that is the case. I think all adults who are not in school go through the same difficulties of trying to find "me time."

Finding that me time can sometimes be difficult but always is needed. One thing I am learning now at the age of 39 is, that it is okay to put yourself first. That, you do not always have to put everyone else's needs above yours. So with balancing all that I am, up until now I knew what the payout would be at the end of the education road. Graduation!! However, up to this point, It was difficult to visualize what I was shooting for. Then I got a call from the director of my program, who for the record is amazing! She gave me some advice and helped me see that I needed to put myself out there. So I emailed every athletic director at my local high schools, college and even as far as local minor league ball team.

Those emails ended up leading to a reply email from both the minor league ball team and one of the university athletic directors. I had filled out to do an internship for next baseball season with the minor league baseball team and am currently volunteering at the university that had replied to me. I got the chance this weekend to help out at a college level volleyball game and soccer game. It was amazing and while at the soccer game I stood at the press box and took it all in. My heart was full and the smile was evident across my face. This is what it is all about. This was the perception I needed to help me visualize my goal. It was such a profound moment for me. I felt proud of myself for what I was doing as far as school and chasing my dreams. Even at the age of 39, it is never too late as an adult to chase your dreams and go after your goals. My director will never know the appreciation I have for that phone call that night and the path that it led to.

That phone call from my director was so important because it put me on a path that captured the perception. She helped me to do two things when she gave me that advice. She helped me to visualize both mentally and literally, the goal at the end of the road. Also in doing that for the first time since I can remember, I went home and told my wife that I was proud of myself and had never felt that way before. I did not have the best up bringing so being proud of myself was not something that came easy. I hope any adult who reads this, remembers that it is never too late to start chasing your dreams. It will take hard work and dedication and sometimes will be overwhelming. In the end though, when you capture that perception and you see the result of your dedication and the late nights of homework, it will be worth every second. Trust me on this when I say, that when you get your first taste of the result of your hard work, just sit there and take it in. Breathe it in and let it soak for a few minutes. Remember it is okay to be proud of yourself. Thanks for taking time to read my story. Now go get those dreams!!

[the-ambitious-student]

Getting the advantage with hands on

Today I got the pleasure and honor of pulling some volunteer hours at the Eastern Kentucky and Wright State Soccer game. This was truly a treat for me. What a great day it was for a soccer game and the competition between the two teams was very intense. I assisted with the substitutions. The view from this table was absolutely amazing and perfect for some up-close action shots.

Now, you may be asking why the press box? The reason behind that decision was so they could announce the correct substitutions as they are happening. That way, the fans are aware of exactly who is coming on and off the field. It was truly amazing to experience this position. While it was a lot of work, it was also a lot of fun. It reinforced to me why I want to get into the sports industry. Another observation I had was the announcer made sure he marketed the concession and beer area there at the arena. I overheard a fan say they wish the concession was not so far away. Maybe Wright State could look into something similar to the vendors we see at baseball games. They could even get partners to advertise on the snack and beverage carriers. That could be another avenue of revenue one day for them. The intensity of the players was also something to admire. Both teams displayed a sense of passion and a spirit of competitiveness.

On top of their spirit of competitiveness, that did not stop both teams from showing each other and their teammates the respect they deserved. From the very start all the way to the end, both teams carried themselves with dignity and respect. My takeaway from today's volunteer experience is although a task seems like it will be super simple, that does not change the importance of the task. While the task may seem small, it could have times of chaos and confusion. I guess what I am trying to say is never look down on any task that someone on that team performs. Every single piece of that puzzle is important. Everyone from the ball boy all the way to the star player is one piece that makes that team complete. That is it for today, everybody. Do not forget to keep shooting for the goal and reaching for your dreams.

[the-ambitious-student]

Learning the operation

Tonight I got my first taste of working in the sports industry. I started volunteering at Wright State University in their athletics department. Tonight I was in charge of the replay area and learning the ins and outs of the scoreboard during the volleyball tournament they were hosting. It is funny because while I did learn the scoreboard and I did work the replay area, I also learned about volleyball more in-depth.

The more I watched the game, the more I saw the intensity and competitiveness throughout the entire arena. This was the first college volleyball game that I had gotten to witness first-hand. I am thankful to Mr. Nick Phillips (The Assistant Athletic Director at Wright State University) for giving me the opportunity to have a first-hand view of how much work goes into a game. Wright State announcers were promoting and marketing their concessions area and had at least two cameras recording the game.

My take-away from tonight was I got to truly understand how much work goes into an athletic game behind the scenes. At the station I was at, there were individuals monitoring all the stats, the scoreboard official, as well as the assistant athletic director trying to keep everyone up to date throughout the game on what was happening. Behind me, was the camera crew, the announcers, and what I believe to be a college radio announcer doing the play-by-play. To see the players working their craft, the challenges by the coaches, and the penalties by the referee officials, and the whole process come together as a whole was a fun and educational experience for me.

I am very thankful for tonights experience and am looking forward to the next stop on my adventure. Until next time everyone, stay safe and stay positive.

[the-ambitious-student]

Challenges and overcoming them

Hey everyone! I hope you all are doing good things. As of this writing, I have officially completed English Composition I. I will say that this class was more challenging than the previous three. I did not think that English would be as much of a challenge as it was. My professor was there for me when I needed her and explained the lessons I did not understand completely.

Through hard work and determination, I completed all my assignments. I even knocked out an extra credit assignment. I cannot begin to tell you how much Full Sail University has changed my life. They have helped me go down a path, that before this, I have traveled unsuccessfully. This time around is different. I don't know if it is the University staff or maybe I am just more determined for success. While I reflect on the challenges over the last four weeks, I am thankful that it did not come easy because it made me appreciate the final accomplishment that much more.

I hope that my readers take this blog as a reminder that anything is possible. It doesn't matter how many times you have failed in the past. It only matters that you keep getting back up and not let life beat you up. Academics have never been my strength, but Full Sail University has given me the dream of having a degree back. I am not now in my fourth class in the Sports Marketing and Media program. Thanks to the support of my professors, I am rocking a 4.0 GPA.

If any of my fellow students or staff at Full Sail University have any suggestions for joining a club at the school virtually, please let me know. When facing your challenges coming at you, always remember that Mike Sorrentino said "The come back is always bigger than the setback." Go out there and put a smile on somebody's face today. I challenge all my readers to do one act of kindness for someone this month. Stay safe, stay smiling and Stay learning.

JP

[the-ambitious-student]

Speed bumps in the journey

It is funny how when you get your momentum going, life likes to throw in some speedbumps in the journey to keep you on your toes. Well, the life of an adult student is no different. It has been a crazy month, but I am halfway done with my Business in Entertainment and media industries class. This is the first class I've had so far, that has been a genuine challenge. Thankfully, I have a good support system when I need it.

I have had some challenges outside of school that have made focusing on school an even bigger challenge. One thing I am learning though, is that when life throws you a curveball, you need to make sure you have your catchers mitt in front of your face so you are ready. There isn't many guarantees in life, but one of the things in life that is guaranteed is you are going to come across challenges in your life journey. The key to making it past these "speedbumps" is easy. When you fall down, get back up, dust yourself off, and keep on moving forward.

That being said, when life starts beating you up, especially when you are working towards a goal, keep your goal in mind. Remember, that you are working on building a better version of yourself. You are working on bettering yourself and bettering your family. It is not an easy road, and rarely ever is, but the end destination will make the entire journey worthwhile. I am so thankful that I discovered Full Sail University when I did. I have never really been an academic kind of guy, but the professors at Full Sail have worked with me and even helped me excel. I received a Course Director Award last month and I could not have done what I have accomplished thus far without the support of my family, my fellow students and the help from my professors. Keep your eyes on the goal, and never look back everyone. There is nothing in the rear view that is going to stop you from meeting your goal. Remember, Keep learning, Keep smiling, and Keep being a blessing to everyone you can.

[the-ambitious-student]

"PLAY"

Well folks, I just submitted my last assignment for Psychology of Play. This month was definitely a month I needed. I say that because I learned lessons this month that were going hand in hand with advice that was being told to me outside of class. Here was one of the most important things to me that was taught to me this month. You have to find time to put yourself first. BOOM!! I know right, as parents, and adults sometimes we forget this concept. I know I sure do. It is funny because prior to this class I never cut out time for myself. One of the assignments however, was to push yourself outside of the normal comfort zone and learn a new skill. I chose yoga, which I highly recommend by the way. So, not only was I going to try to learn something I had never done nor ever thought about doing before, but I had to figure out how to fit this into my crazy schedule. Insert the best thing the class taught me this month, the weekly plan. Let me tell you everyone, if you have never done a weekly plan, this concept is epic. I not only learned yoga, but I learned yoga with my daughter who is 3. I now do a few minutes of yoga before work while everyone is asleep but, I want to get to the point where I can attend a yoga class.

Psychology of play was a great experience and one that I am glad I was able to have while being in school. I have worked hard this month and it has paid off in form of my grades. I loved my professors approach to the class as well. Twice a week, we had show 'n' tell themed by a chosen letter of the alphabet. Now, I have not done show 'n' tell since I was a child until this point. That being said, I never thought I would be doing show 'n' tell again haha. However, it was the best experience because, it got the class to really get to know each other. we learned about everyone's likes and hobbies, whether or not some of them had kids or not, and even some of their favorite places. While we don't do a formal game of show 'n' tell as adults, don't we technically show 'n' tell all the time? Think about this for a second. when you get a new car, or a new tool, or maybe a new dress what is your first instinct? You want to show it off and talk about it with your friends. BOOM!! Yet another pipe bomb in the mine field of life. We play show 'n' tell all the time and don't even realize it. I made sure to participate in every single show 'n' tell post and even solved a word scramble puzzle at the end of the course. My amazing professor even awarded me the "Course Directors Award" and told me I would receive my award at graduation. How great is that? That is exactly how I want to start my Full Sail career, working hard, getting those grades and even picking up some accolades along the way. Well that is all for this post. I appreciate everyone whos riding this blog bus with me. Remember, go out and be positive and be a blessing and as my amazing professor Elena Nolan says "go out and be playful"

[the-ambitious-student]

It’s okay to play!!

     Hey everyone! I hope everyone is staying safe and having a great month! Well, we are on month two of this amazing adventure. This months class is Psychology of play and let me tell  you it definitely has changed my outlook on life. Now, I can feel all the eyes rolling in the room and you guys saying “yeah right. This guy!!” LOL. I am serious though. I was introduced to a “weekly plan” concept that has totally changed my outlook on how to plan my week. I learned to prioritize my top tasks for the day and my professor reminded me of something that us, as adults often forget. She reminded me that it is okay to play as an adult. 

      After this class I really started to take a look around me and a look at my life. I realized that as adults we get so busy with work, and our priorities that we forget to take time to have fun. This class, however, has reminded me of that. Everywhere from being taught the weekly plan and the learning of new skills with my daughter due to this class. My daughter and I have started yoga this month and I owe it all to being challenged. while, going to school and working is proving to be a challenge at times, my professors thus far, have been great as far as working with me or explaining theories that I may not understand fully.  With each class I get into, I am feeling more accomplished. I even heard my daughter last night, who is only 3, tell my wife that she was doing her homework like Daddy as she colored a page in her coloring book. That right there, the influence I am having on my daughter means everything. I want her to see that through hard work, and determination anything is possible. In a today’s uncertain times, I want to go the extra mile to show my daughter that its okay to never stop reaching for your dreams. It is even better to reach for your dreams when you get to have your family help you reach them. That is all I have for this post everyone. Until next time, keep being positive, stay playful, and be a blessing to someone this week.  

[the-ambitious-student]

One and done

     As of 20 minutes ago, the class one is done!!! The feeling when I hit that submit button for the last time in Creative Presentation was bitter sweet. On one hand I am gonna miss hearing from my professor that I have had for the last month. She was the one in my corner and really helped me out whenever I had questions. They say all super heroes don’t wear capes and I agree. On the other hand, when I submitted that last assignment after all the grinding between, work, my daughter and class, I have never felt so accomplished. I felt like, like that last submission was such an accomplishment for me. 

      Historically, I have never been too good at school. I guess after 21 year break you build up some of that education muscle. Now, this weekend, my family and I are headed to Tennessee for a week. While on vacation I will be in the beginning of week 1 of Psychology of Play. I am excited about this class after all my friends, and coworkers telling me how much they always enjoyed their Psychology classes. Yogi Berra once said “When you come to a fork in the road . . . take it”. I am so glad that when I discovered Full Sail, that I decided to take that fork in the road. The first class was challenging, and with every challenge comes a finish line and I hit that finish line sprinting.  Thank you to one and all who take time out of their day to read my blog. I know it’s not much, but I enjoy sharing updates with anybody who wants to listen. Below you will find a link to my final presentation. Feel free to give it a view and comment some feedback for me. 

Click me <---------Final Presentation

[the-ambitious-student]

Halfway

     That’s right!!! I am halfway through my first class at Full Sail University! I would be lying if I did not say that this was one of the toughest things I have had to do. Trying to get into a routine of going to school after not being in school for 21 years has proven to be very challenging. I have had to think way outside my normal box for some of these assignments. On that note though, I have also discovered a couple new hobbies. One of the new hobbies I have discovered that is enjoyable is listening to these TED talks. Also, one of our assignments was to analyze the vocal qualities of a commercial and do a formal analysis report on it. That was fun, but now, I don’t think I will ever look at a commercial the same way again. I guess though, with the field I am going into, that is probably a good thing. Well that is all for today. But I will keep you all up to date as I wrap up the first class. 2 weeks down, and 2 to go. Stay safe and stay positive. 

[the-ambitious-student]

Closing in

     As I sit here at my desk and realize I am within 4 days of starting my program at Full Sail University, I am mixed with emotions. I am nervous about trying to balance everything. I am excited for the new adventure, while at the same time I am fearful of not being able to handle it. However, I made a promise to myself that I can and will do this! I am going to show my kids and my family that when you put your mind to it, and put forth the effort, achieving any dream is possible. 

     I have been listening to webinars and zoom calls while I work that are focused on the program I am taking at Full Sail. I have also changed my routine to incorporate some time before and after work to try and get ahead in the reading for my first class which is Creative Presentation. I am very much looking forward to this adventure and all the challenges that come along with that. Michael Jordan once said “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it. Go through it, or work around it.” I fully intend on taking that advice when this program gets tough (and I know it will with everything I am trying to balance). I will climb that wall and get to the other side and before I know it, I will be graduating from Full Sail University. The thought that is going to motivate me more than anything else, is the thought of my families eyes when they see me graduate. On that note, I hope you all stay safe and stay positive everyone.

[the-ambitious-student]

Getting into school mode

     I hope everyone who reads this has been good since our last blog. I am right around 2 weeks away from the program officially starting and me officially being in school. To say that there will have to be a change in my routine is putting it lightly 🤣🤣. So, in preparation for my first class (Creative presentation), I have downloaded the class syllabus to get an idea of what I am in for. I have already started reading one of the reading assignments to try to shift my brain from my normal routine to add the school work into the “rotation” per say.

      I have found that my biggest challenge thus far is just getting used to sitting down and making myself do the new routine. I also did a development course sponsored by Pepsi called “ Sports Marketing Essentials ” that I saw on the Full Sail One (FSO) site. It was extremely interesting and informative and I am so thankful that Pepsi Co. was willing to sponsor the course and give some of the insights into the marketing world. I am trying to make sure when I see development courses like that on the FSO site I take them so I can get a better perception into the marketing industry.  Here is a fun fact that I learned today about Super Bowl. People spend right around 14 Billion just in food and snacks to prepare for the super bowl!! 14 Billion dollars !!!!! I knew we spent a lot, because I mean come on, it’s the super bowl! I also found it so interesting to hear from Pepsi co. officials, exactly what went into the marketing plan, for something as extravagant as the Super Bowl. 

     With only 2 weeks left I feel like I am doing pretty good at getting myself prepared for the new routine. I have a quiet place to read and do my homework (when my toddler is not invading the room), I have set aside time before work and after when needed to focus on what needs to be and I have my mindset ready to grind as soon as it starts. Thanks to everyone and anyone taking time out of their day to read this blog. I hope you all stay safe and stay positive everyone. 

[the-ambitious-student]

The beginning

     So last night was the orientation part of the program. It was the first night that I got to get my feet wet into the class. It was a little overwhelming, especially after working all day and having my daughter come into the room every little bit. I had to lock the door in order to ensure I could focus on the task at hand. It is funny, when I first signed up I knew this would be a lot of work. I knew that the combination of work, family and now school would be a full work load to say the least. I feel like as adults, we get ourselves into these routines where we know what we are going to do and we get used to that routine. Now, throw a new activity into that routine, mixed with a 3 year old with the energy of a run away locomotive and see how that changes 😂🤣. While it was a challenge, because I do not like to sit still and I am very easily distracted, I forced myself to sit there and meet the goal I set for myself. I am not a writer by no means, but I want to use this blog, as a way to document my journey and possibly share with other parents, that may be working and going to school while taking care of the family. I will keep everyone up to date once the first classes start on May 3. I will talk to everyone later. Stay safe and stay positive everyone.

JP