Being a parent who has attempted to go back to school numerous times has taken its toll on my already detrimental yet still determined mental health. Suffering from Bipolar 1 Disorder and PTSD has come with more challenges than words can begin to express. In my first attempt at going back to get a higher education, I decided to start small by going back to Kiamichi Technology Center in my hometown in hopes of pursuing my medical office assistant certificate. I succeeded with a 3.75 GPA, however, the school I went to never gave me any direction after completing as to where I needed to go to take any tests to get certified for coding or where to go afterward. It was my greatest victory yet biggest disappointment. My daughter was an infant when I finished there, and already having some college credits from directly post-high school, I decided to wait a few years but I ultimately wanted to try to go to college again one day. I waited until my daughter was 3 so she could start the early childhood school program for 3-year-olds. Unfortunately, I ended up withdrawing not long after I started due to my daughter not responding well to only seeing me one day a week between work and school. I had to choose to put my dreams on hold for the sake of her emotional well-being. This past November as I was scrolling through TikTok, this ad came across my screen inquiring as to whether or not I was interested in furthering my education. To my resentment, I couldn’t tell you the number of telemarketing calls I started getting as early as the very next morning. This went on for weeks until I finally answered this 203 area code, Connecticut number, that I had been blowing off relentlessly. On the other end of the phone was the most sincere and patient human named Deneco who proceeded to talk me into applying to Post University out of Waterbury, CT. I wasn’t expecting to get in, or if I did, then financial aid probably wouldn’t be an option for me since I had to withdraw back in 2018, but much to my surprise, I got in and my financial aid was accepted, the majority of my financial aid being student loans. It was heaven-sent. I have promised myself tirelessly that I am not giving up, and I am not quitting any matter the circumstances. I have never felt more proud of myself presently than I do right now. I finished my first term with straight A’s, and currently, I am holding straight A’s for my second term which I am halfway done with. I really could use a new laptop before it quits on me so I can finish as strong as I have started!

1. I don't but I'm trying anyway. 2. I wasn't aware I needed any to win. 3. In gym class or vacation bible school when I was probably 7.