Reimaging your life...or finally figuring out what you want to be when you grow up.

     If you've read my little blip of a page here before, you're probably either a dear friend or a follower of Single Parent Link. I love writing but unless something really gets me fired up there are huge 3-4 month gaps in my posts. And there is a very good reason for this; I returned to college in the Fall of 2012 to finish my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. So in the harsh 16 week winters of my writing soul, this page remains on hiatus.  I've been officially freed this semester, the sun is shining again, and Kelly approached me with this idea. I'm going to share a little about my decision of returning to school- how it came about, how it has morphed some along the way & where I'm at now. I'm also going to share what I hope will be a help to any single parents, or at least older students returning to college.
     Because simply, when I was in college the first go-round...brace yourself...the school didn't even have a website. AOL was on dial-up and the biggest thing were those weird chat rooms. I was back in class for 2 months before I realized I had a separate school email in addition to the "Blackboard" that pretty much determines your online presence in classes. I'm not really an internet flunkie but NO ONE holds your hand when your 35 like they do when you're a sweet 17-18 year old fresh out of high school.
     Prior to my single mom status I had completed an Associate Degree in Interior Design, which after the separation the job search confirmed that I pretty much qualified me to be a manager in the cabinet section at the local hardware store. Working weekends. And all other odd hours. Nope, couldn't do it. I have a roller coaster of a business cleaning homes that has allowed me a flexible schedule and decent pay (when people don't cancel or re-schedule). I quickly realized it was not something that would completely support me and my kids for the indefinite future.  I had taken courses at the local university, before the Interior Design side-track, with a major in psychology and minoring in Elementary Education/Special Needs. How hard would it be to finish the psychology with a different focus?  I re-enrolled at NKU with a Psychology major and double minors of Religious Studies and Criminal Justice.
     And just like that I was back in the world of financial aid, transcripts and finding the cheapest textbooks.
Before anything...even choosing a school....you will want to complete a FAFSA application to determine grants and loan options available. Filling this out in January before the Fall you intend to start classes gives you the best chance at some of the limited grants since they are a first come/first serve basis.
    Next, I highly encourage meeting someone at the school you choose (and I don't think I need to explain the need to research this!) and ask a TON of questions. Here's a few: What school or program specific scholarships are available, and the easiest way to apply? How many (if any) of my prior experience or credits transfer to this program? Some schools offer a way to test out of some credits that is highly discounted compared to paying for the course.  How long will this program take? How long will adding a minor/major add to that time? What do employers really look for in this field? It's not a bad idea to find someone that does what you want to do and ask what was beneficial to them and what they might do different if they could go back.  Where can I find a list of campus resources, especially ones that may help a single parent (child care options, textbook loan programs, tutoring labs).
      Also I highly recommend meeting with someone within your program or major and ask them some things they learned along the way. One thing that was a live and learn for me was that while some classes don't have prerequisites that you have to take prior to later ones, there are classes that are necessary earlier (for someone who isn't there to mess around) like Career Planning as a Psych major, or the fact that taking Animal Learning is completely redundant and excruciatingly boring after Research Methods.
   One of the biggest hang-ups in my scheduling I have found is that some online classes are only open to students in certain programs such as the PACE (returning adult something or other). So even though I need the classes offered online, and there are open seats, I'm restricted from taking them because that is not part of my declared program. Nothing is more frustrating!!!! But it certainly would have been nice to know this before I started.
     So if you are considering returning to school NOW is the time to start your research, file for Fafsa in January and begin next summer or fall.

Journey to Heal by Crystal M. Sutherland

      I have had the chance to be on the launch team of several books last year, and lined up with many this year. Once I heard of Crystal's new book, Journey to Heal: Seven Essential Steps of Recovery for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, I knew I wanted in.
      My personal story is very complicated having dealt with sexual assault as a teenager, and then as an adult dealing with the life-altering choices of my (now ex) husband and the abuse he inflicted on one of my own children. My personal path has led me to recovery through Christ and his plans for my life. But I certainly did it the hard way. And my now heart (and future career in counseling) is in helping others who have suffered childhood sexual abuse and sexual assault, much like Crystal.
      Crystal has taken her own personal journey and given us a gentle, seven step outline to walk through the process of healing. If you're reading this, possibly you or someone you love has been affected by this type of abuse and one of the strongest glimpses into this book I found right in the introduction, "You're Not Alone", where Crystal writes, "My story doesn't end in abuse and brokenness, and neither does yours."
      I'd like to echo that.  I am personally grateful for this book for it's simple overview of the healing process. I really wish I had it in my hands 20 years ago. Healing is never simple, but each step is outlined in an easy to read, conversational tone, clear-cut suggestions to "Move Forward" at the end of each chapter, and Journey Essentials-very practical actions that relate to each step.  I may not have had this resource then, but now that I do, I will certainly be sharing as needs are known. 

There is hope for real healing, for God to pick up and restore all the pieces that feel broken, and to come to a place of wholeness once again. 

My little blog post is at the end of the launch process and blog tour, but hopefully we'll wrap this beautiful start up with a bang.  If this topic resonates with you or a loved one, I'd like to offer several resources for you to begin your own journey to heal. 

 1. Here are 2 very important links for Crystal's website and the one specifically for the book. 

Crystal's website and Journey to Heal.  From Crystal's website you can connect with her on several social media sites, as well as a Closed Group (private) Support Group right on Facebook. 

At the Journey to Heal site you will find more information about an upcoming (starting June 1st!) online course that will walk through the book in seven weeks.

2. You can purchase the book at your choice of retailers: Amazon, Christian Bookstores, or Barnes and Noble

3. I'm going to offer a free copy, signed by the author and sent directly to you. Please share this post on Facebook, or other social media and tag me in the comments. All will be entered in a drawing to be held Thursday, May 19, 2016. If you wish to share with someone in private message, that's ok too...just send me a screenshot! Comment below and I'll be looking for the notification. For screenshots, my email is escreusere@gmail.com 

4. Feel free to contact me by email or Facebook, I'd be willing to discuss the book, counseling options or just be a safe listening ear as you begin your Journey.