Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Some News....

Its been an exhausting year full of chaos, triumph, and struggles, and its not even June yet.  Our day consists of this crazy schedule that often involves juggling children, working, cooking, cleaning, and sleeping, if we are lucky.  Dale and I barely have a moment to ourselves to pee, let alone go on a date.  It takes patience, humor, and love to get through everyday.  Alas, we get by.

Ever since Dale and I met, I have been trying to find my way into a classroom.  I graduated with a degree in education but never went on for a 5th additional year to earn my Master's or teaching certificate.  Eventually, I became a Teach for America corps member in 2011, trained in Phoenix, and was heart-broken when our small corps was basically thrown out of Seattle leaving most of us without teaching jobs.  Feeling rather jaded by the politics of everything, I focused on my family, staying at home, working part-time, and dabbling in new fields.

Well, I finally got the courage to apply to grad school.  I was accepted to Seattle University's Master in Teaching program.  School starts September 3 and by next summer, I will have my Master's degree and teaching certificate for K-8 education.  Crazy! I am so excited to return to SU, as this is where I did my undergrad.

Now comes the hard part--figuring out how to make it all work.  Already, I have experienced struggles, stress, and disappointment and school hasn't even started yet.  I received no financial aid, except in the form of loans.  The awesome afforable preschool we currently use, is closing in June. The subsidy I thought we would qualify for to cover preschool expenses doesn't apply to those pursing Master's degree (even though it technically is "job training").  So I am at a loss.  I have no idea how we will plan or pay for childcare while I am going to school.  I feel terrible.

Right now, Dale and I barely scrape by through our current jobs.  Some months we hover just above poverty, using credit cards or put off bills to fill in the gaps.  Going back to school and getting the education and training I need to get a career will support our family, ensure our children's future, and keep us from going hungry.  Yet, I might have to sacrifice my future if we can't find a way to afford it.  I am trying to wrap my mind around this and struggling to find a way.  I have researched many different grants, scholarships, and don't qualify because we either a.) exceed income limits b.) exceed education limits c.) i'm not a single mom and some programs we don't qualify for because a.) we make too few dollars.  We are stuck in the limbo---I'm sure, like countless of other families.  I'm trying to stay positive and have hope that something will unveil itself.  It might mean taking out a loan to pay for childcare.  I'm not sure.  If any of you have suggestions, feel free to offer.

In the meantime, we are having fun in Seattle, enjoying the weather, the company of friends, and hoping it all works out