Going Back to School

25+ years ago I was a matriculated, university student.

I knew exactly what my major would be.

I knew when I was going to graduate.

I knew what I would do for the rest of my life.

Then, at the beginning of my second year, during the first week of classes, I had this feeling that I was supposed to drop all my classes, check out of school and work full time.

What?

What about my planning?  What about my scholarship?  What about my dream of getting a college degree?

I did my best to ignore the feeling and into the second week of classes my brain could not and would not comprehend a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g.  As soon as I entered a classroom, I felt as if I were entering a black hole.

Dark. Foggy. Hollow.

I couldn’t fight it any longer.  I dropped all my classes, checked out of school and moved forward with life.

Last August, my husband came home from Church and told me about a program sponsored by BYU-Idaho that would enable me to attain a college degree.

As he spoke and explained what he had learned that day, a feeling came over me that was just as distinctive and palpable as the feeling I had received 25+ years ago to end my schooling.  However, that feeling filled me with light and clarity and depth.  I was filled with the impression that I was ready to pursue my goal to receive a college degree.

I am starting my second semester with the BYU-Idaho Pathway Program.  It has been the most amazing learning experience I have ever encountered!!

Some days I wonder why I am going to school now when it is the craziest, busiest time of my life.  Five teenagers! Three elementary-aged children! and a two year old!!  And that doesn't even begin to skim the surface . . .

But just how I listened to a still, small voice 25+ years ago to stop going to school, I am listening and following that ever encouraging voice that tells me that right now is the right time to go back to school.