Done

I was sitting in a staff meeting when my final score arrived. I have been waiting for it for the past 10 days. The last one finally decided to grace itself upon my e-mail inbox.

Hallelujah!

I can finally say,

THIS MOMMA IS DONE WITH HER MASTER'S DEGREE!

I did it.

I did it.

I did it.

(Hark yonder- is that angels I hear?)

When I began the program I was told how difficult it would be... especially as a mom. I didn't fully listen because I knew I have a very determined personality as well as the knowledge that I could do hard things.  And I was right- I CAN do hard things, because I've again proven to myself that point.

(I'd have a picture of me with my diploma- however- it will show up about the time baby Teagan decides to grace us with her presents.)

But, not only did I graduate- I graduated with a 4.0 GPA.

This momma-Me.

AND not only did I graduate with a 4.0 but I (read WE) also did it with no loan accumulation.

That's right.

Out of pocket.

Strategically budgeted every month.

Not only did I graduate with no loans, but Chadd and I paid off the Tahoe last month.

That means we are again debt free.

(With the exception of the house.)

My thoughts can't help but turn to my mom. As a teen mother I can only imagine the struggles and challenges she faced raising me alone. I remember her strong emotions and pride during my High school and BA graduations-

events she personally was never able to experience for herself. 

I can't help but want to dedicate this degree, as was the others, to her... because we did it.
She and I beat the stats.

Did you know:

-64 percent of children born to an unmarried teenage high-school dropout live in poverty.

-a child born to a teenage mother is 50 percent more likely to repeat a grade in school
-is more likely to perform poorly on standardized tests
-is 2/3rd more likely to drop out before finishing high school.

I couldn't find statistical data indicating the percentage of children of teen mothers who completed their Master's degrees- but then again- I've seen enough statistical data junk to last me an entire lifetime...

 Even though our circumstances were all wrong, they turned out all right.

It's amazing really.

Hey mom! We did it again! We beat those odds!

I'm thankful I stuck with it.
I'm thankful of the loving support of Chadd.

Today, I'm thankful this hard thing is finally over.