Thursday, August 29, 2013

Back to School at Almost 40


While on bed rest from my myomectomy, I was forced to do something I seldom have the time to do: Be still and think without interruption. I was looking forward to the time off, even though it was not ideal circumstances, it was still a mental reset for me.

While I was in the prep room getting ready for surgery, I was on the lookout for the Anesthesiologist. At one time in my life, I was hell bent on becoming a physician but life didn't work out in such a way that would allow me to attend Medical School. When the Anesthesiologist walked in, I had questions for him. I wanted to know, where he went to school but not for the reason one might think. I wanted to know how he did it and was it possible that I too could still do it. It was just a question in the back of my mind. What I found out surprised me.
He explained that he was actually not an Anesthesiologist, he was an Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). He also told me that before he went back to school, he was an accountant and hated the corporate world. My eyes opened up. If I was a dog, I'm sure my ears would have propped up as well. We had a brief conversation about what it took for him to change career paths and even though he knocked me out 30 minutes later, I remembered our conversation.

Yesterday was the first day of the Fall '13 semester and here I am, back in school as a 2nd degree student. I'm excited and more focused than when I went for my 1st degree (English Lit). I figured, if I'm not going to have children, I might as well take advantage of the freedom that comes along with it.

If I don't like it, guess what? I'll quit and keep searching for something that I enjoy doing. I want to get up in the morning and look forward to making a difference, otherwise, what's the point of going to work? I can't carry stuff with me to the grave when I'm gone, but hopefully I can leave my mark on the world after I'm gone. That's my goal and I'm open to wherever that leads me.

13 comments :

  1. Way to go! I got my Bacherlor's Degree at 51...me and my baby gurl graduated in the same month

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    1. How special is that! I don't know how long ago that was but congratulations to you and your baby girl.

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  2. Good for you my dear, I am also planning to go to law school after 2 kids and almost 40. You give me the hope that this can be done!!

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    1. Thanks so much. I'm so excited to simply be on the path to finding something that makes me happy. Law school is an amazing accomplishment. I know you can do it. We're in this thing together.

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  3. I am almost 40 too. 37 in 6 months exactly. And I am strongly considering getting my first degree all while exploring different entrepreneurial opportunitues. I am ready! Thanks for making me feel not so alone! :-)

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    1. You can do. There are so many opportunities out there, opportunities that I didn't even know existed. Once you decide what your goal is, it's only a matter of going after it.

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  4. Good for you CandidAnn,

    There was a reason for that Myomectomy. The universe provides answers in the strangest ways.

    From your videos, writing and attention to detail, I think you'll be an asset to the medical profession.

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    1. OMG, Thank you so much for such kind words. I really appreciate it.

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  5. I'm happy for you. You have to do what you want and believe in. I kind of feel the same way about turning 30 next year...

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    1. You are a phenomenal woman. I'm so impressed by how many languages you speak, living abroad, how you've trained your body for marathons. You're one of the online people that inspire me.

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    2. Thanks so much Ann! I feel the exact same way about you. You are incredibly inspiring as well. I'm so thankful I found your youtube channel. (So I'm thankful for AFRICANEXPORT too!)

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  6. I knew you said you were in school, I didn't know what degree/major... its exciting to hear for what...WOW! Best wishes to you. I know you are going to get great grades!! I too am trying to figure out whats next for myself! Congrats to you Girlfriend!

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  7. Hey, congrats! It is always exciting to make that leap. I agree with you on the freedom thing. Freedom is one of the few things I have, so I'm going to enjoy it while I can!

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