I started this blog for a couple reasons. First, I wanted to be able to look back and see what I have accomplished. I don't share a lot of personal details here, I save those for my private blog, but I wanted to be able to look back at what my pre-reqs and (hopefully) nursing classes were like for me. Second, I wanted my blog to be a source of information and inspiration for others considering going back to school. Whether they were going back to school for nursing or underwater basket weaving. Being a wife and mother and care giver and taking the leap to go back to school too... it can be overwhelming! So I hoped that I could share my experience, that yes it is overwhelming and when you start you have no idea how you are going to make it through. But, you just need to take that first leap of faith and then keep putting one foot in front of the other. I think having the mindset that this IS what you are doing and not accomplishing your goal is not an option helps also.

With all that said, I decided now would be a good time to make a list of "What I Know".

It will be hard. Some things will be harder than you thought, some will be easier. It will be hard, but it will be worth every minute.

Ask for help. This was hard for me, I like to think I can do it all myself. the people at the financial aid office are your friend, they want to see you succeed. I promise. Go in, talk to them. Fill out the FAFSA, you may qualify for assistance you never thought you were eligible for. Then talk to your friends in the financial aid office some more. They may know of special grants offered by your college, and they surely know how to get in contact with the scholarship office.

Apply for scholarships. There are so many out there, find the ones you qualify for and apply! I never thought I would get the scholarships I have received. I was sure there was better, more qualified students out there. And, maybe there is, but they didn't apply.

Find the tutoring center. They don't let just anyone be a tutor. Allow them to help you do better in your classes.

Be nice to your instructors, but don't kiss up. You never know when you will need a letter or recommendation. And don't be afraid to ask them for some help too. Most instructors will bend over backwards to help you in their class... if you ask!

Please leave your cell phone alone while in class. I am amazed every quarter at the number of students who text all through lecture, then complain that the material is too hard and they just don't understand. It bothers those that are around you, trying to learn. No really, even if your phone is on silent. We still hear the keys and it is distracting when you are constantly picking up the phone, and putting it away again. We survived for many years not being in constant contact with our friends and family, you too will survive this hour. Disclaimer: By all means, if you have something unusual going on and you need to have your phone available, do so. But really this should be a once a quarter, if that, thing. I have 3 kids and a profoundly disabled grandmother that I am responsible for. I worry every time I have someone in the house taking care of them that I will get a call requiring me to rush home. It's happened once, it may happen again.

Take help where it is offered. You need to get the best grades possible. If someone offers to take the kids to the park for a couple hours so you can study... do it! On a similar note; kids, even small kids, can help with chores around the house. This is a good thing for them and for you!

I know there is more that I am forgetting, but I hesitate to offer too much advice for how to study. I have learned that I study very different than many other students.

Oh! One more. Always do your best. But, if it comes down to turning in a partially done assignment (or one that is done but not up to your standards) or not turning in the paper at all. Turn it in. Get the partial credit on the paper and move on. Hopefully you will have a high enough grade that you can coast once or twice.