college leap

I had always dreamed college but never thought I could handle it or afford it. My parents had only experienced community college and never encouranged us kids to go. If we wanted to go we would have to figure it out on our own. I am a hard worker and have had a lot of experience working with children as an assistant teacher or an aide. I aways wanted to be the lead teacher, elementary teacher or any other higher up educator. I now am a highly successful child care provider that makes more money than most elementary teachers, but I work very hard and earn every penny! My own children are 10 1/2  and almost 15 and last summer I was having serious thoughts about what I am going to do when they graduate. I would have no reason to stay home anymore. Although I did take post scondary classes and do have other child development credentials, I would be starting at the bottom if I went out into the early childhood field. After running my own business that would be extremely difficult. My friend is also a child care provider as has been working on her higher education for the past 8 years while her children were young. She will gaduate will her master's degree soon and will be able to get a "real" job in the early childhood field a few years before her kids graduate. For me, taking 5 courses a year, I will graduate probably the same year as my youngest son. That's fine for me, I want to enjoy my boys while they are young and I do enjoy my job on most days!