Posted by April Sturdevant

 

Full Plate

I have a full plate. It is difficult to go to school full time and work full time. I find I have little time for studying. I have fallen behind in my paperwork at work. I don’t spend enough time with my three-year-old daughter, Bethany. My household duties have been put almost on hold.

I thought going to school full time would not be that difficult. I figured I would attend classes, and do home work as it was assigned. I knew I would not have that much time to study for tests. I believed attending class would be enough to get decent grades on tests and quizzes. In reality, I found out that finding time to do homework is tricky, and discovering time to study for tests is nearly impossible. Bethany does not understand that homework is an important part of going to school. Studying is done strictly between the hours of ten p.m. and twelve midnight.

Working full time with my added responsibilities of school has been exhausting. I find myself going to bed later at night. I have difficulties getting to work on time due to lack of sleep. I estimate I get approximately five hours of sleep a night. During the week, I leave work to attend my biology class and biology lab. That leaves about five hours of work I have to make up on Saturdays. I have an hour every day that I am suppose to do my paper work for my job as a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Coordinator for the New Beginnings Program with Border Area Mental Health Services, Inc. However, I usually use my paper work time to catch up on homework or study for tests.

My three-year-old daughter Bethany does not understand why my sister Robbin picks her up from daycare now instead of Mom. Bethany wants me to cuddle on the couch and watch movies with her. Instead of watching movies, Mom has to work on schoolwork. Bethany also wants to know why the housework gets done on Sundays instead of Saturdays like it use to. It’s a big change for a little girl.

By the time Sunday rolls around, my house is a mess. All of the drinking glasses are dirty by Friday night. Bethany’s toys have escaped out of her room and threaten the living room with a hostile take over. My refrigerator has only the bare essentials left in it by Saturday evening. Sunday has become my do it all day.

I do not regret starting school with my schedule already full. I knew it would be a challenge when I added school to my life. I did not know exactly what kind of challenge it would be. After the semester is over and the holidays arrive, I believe the time I spend with Bethany will be extra special. As for work, it shall go on as always. I look forward to gaining a better education, which will lead to a better paying job.

 

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