by Tara Cahoon, Richmond mom of three (soon to be four!)
I have been carrying around a shameful secret for years.
Although I attended college for 4 years with the student loans to prove it, I do not have a college degree. That’s right; I’m a college drop-out. I had a lot of fun in school, but I did not do a lot of studying. My Mom affectionately calls my years at East Carolina University, the “Club Med” years. Whenever college conversations come up and I’m asked when I graduated, I say, “Oh, I was at ECU from ‘95-99.” It’s always been something that has really bothered me. It’s been this albatross around my neck.
I feel like a quitter and a failure.
After years of thinking about it, I finally re-enrolled in college this past fall. A few minutes of surfing the net, led me to ECU’s distance education program where I found I could finish out my degree completely online from the comfort of my own home. Going back to ECU made the most sense for me since I wouldn’t have to worry about credits transferring and I could finish where I started.
I want to be an ECU alum, not drop-out! So far, I have found online learning to be the perfect fit! I’m not a person with a lot of extra time on my hands. I have 3.5 kids, I am the coordinator of my mother’s group, and I volunteer for everything (I mean everything – I suffer from “can’t say no-itis) at the kids school and church.
I study and go to class when it fits in to my schedule, which is usually around 8PM, when the kids are in bed. The first time around, studying was something that got in the way of my next social event. Now it’s a wonderful excuse to leave the kids at home with my husband and sneak off to the library for a few hours. The crazy part is I actually enjoy it! In fact, the grades are in and I wrapped up my first semester with a 4.0! I can’t encourage other Mom’s enough who may be thinking of continuing their education.
If I can do it, you can to!
About Kate Hall
Tara, you are so brave, hard-working, and bright! I am so proud of you for working so hard and can't wait to cheer you on through your journey. . .
THANK YOU SO MUCH, KATE! And thank you for giving me the chance to share with other Mom's. I really appreciate it! OH – and stay tuned for my next story…."How I studied for mid-terms from the delivery room!"
HA!
Hi tara your amasing, I touch with your story. I am proud of you
Congrats on starting again and a 4.0! Another cheerleader here for you anytime. I love that your daughter is old enough to understand that you are taking time for YOU to work on a personal goal. Setting the example early that a mom is still an individual.
I've known Tara for about 20 years. She is my hero. She really does do it all with such a great spirit. She's a wonderful role model for any girl (diploma or not). But, I am so glad she is following her passion to finish school. Way to go!
I agree with you, she deserved to get where she is now. She worked for it, good on you Tara
Tara, you will never regret going back. I did the same thing when my children were young. After years of regret, I decided it was time to "finish"! Taking 12 hours a semester, working full-time, and being the mother to two teenage girls was a struggle for almost 2 years — but I am so proud of my accomplishment and my BS degree! As a friend once told me, "You'll wake up and be 50 one day with or without finishing the degree – it's up to you!" Congratulations and good luck!
your so right, life is about doing what you want, not what other people want for you. Thats right its upto you to make that choices in life.
Thanks so much for your thoughts, I think Tara is pretty amazing!
I never knew tha,t Tara. I am very proud of your decision and your children will be so proud of your efforts, too! You are an amazing person!
Congratulations! I think it is so great that you are going back to school. My dad started, but never finished. My mom never went. I think you are setting a great example for your kids. Maybe two great examples. Not to take education for granted and that it is never to late to go back!
Congrats Tara and keep it up. Can't wait to call you a fellow Pirate alum!!!
Tara, I love this. I have several friends who didn't finish college, and good for you for being diligent to finish just because you know it's what you need to do. I was in school with kids too, and I savored my study time!