Grades

Last year, I was talking to my Fiance about hopes and dreams. Things I wanted to do, and be. I had never had this conversation with anyone. No, one had ever seemed to care what I wanted. I was just expected to do certain things.

I told him I wanted to go back to school. Now, I must confess that this is something I had tried twice before, and failed. I had no support, no one to cheer me on, no one to help me balance life as a mom, wife, and student. I was expected to do everything at home, and if I had any spare time I could work on schooling. I was set up to fail.

Here was this fantastic man, telling me that I could do it. He would support me, he would let me lean on him. He would help me balance life and school. Home, kids, job, school....could I really do it? I was scared. So, I said that I would wait a year. And if I still wanted to do it, I would. I wanted to do it right this time.

Fast forward to this summer. I took the leap....I started taking paralegal classes. I was scared and excited. And most of all determined that I was going to succeed.

Shortly after starting classes I read an article in Woman's Day magazine, about how several amazing women made over their lives. One of them was an inspirational young lady of 69 years. Her name is Mary Price. I read her story several times, feeling stronger each time. Her tips for making over her education included reminding yourself that you don't always have to get the best score possible. That "Sometimes good enough is good enough". I was inspired! YES, this is what I needed to hear.

I always tell my children to be realistic about their grades. Not everyone will get a perfect score every time. We are all human. If you apply yourself, and do your very best that is what matters. No, this is not a get of jail free card that allows you to slack off and not do your work. I'm happy to say that my children are all carrying very good grades.

But what about me? What standard do I hold myself too? Simple

PERFECTION.

If I get less than an A+ in a course then I am angry with myself. I have let myself down. Its not good enough. The only grade is the best grade. No matter what my fiance says I cannot accept anything but. I know that I shouldn't be so hard on myself, and I honestly wish I wasn't. But.....I can't do anything about it.

I'm interested to hear what other Moms going back to school have to say.