acceptance, new places, and wow this is going to be interesting

Friday I got an email from the university I applied to….I got accepted to Grad School. I will be starting a Masters in Human Computer Iteraction and Design.

I am completely excited about it. It sort of feels like this culmination of all my years at the same company…like I was spending this time so I could be prepared for this next amazing experience.
I have worked at the same software company for 9 years this June. I am only 32. That is a long time at one place. I am planning on staying working there while I go to school. At this point with Nadie being out of work it isn’t really an option to go to school full-time.
I know many may think I am insane, attempting this beginning when my second child is 3 months old and my first is not even two.
I know there will be sacrifices.
I ask not for judgement. I think we each have our own path. I think valuing education and making sacrifices for our family will set an example for my children. I know it is not the same as having a SAHM – but I am not a SAHM. I am working full-time now and will continue to be full-time into many things. My goal is not to take the time away from the kids. My goal is to better use the other time that I have. I don’t want to watch as much tv. I will post less on facebook. I will be more involved in all that we do. All of my life I have excelled more when I was more involved. I need to be more involved in things. Plus – I will never achieve my goal of becoming a PHd and maybe professor without starting school again.

In my application I had to write a personal statement. While I won’t bore you with the boring details of the various positions I have had during my career so far, I would like to post a portion of what I said….

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A watershed event sets a new course. I experienced one of these events last year when I became a mother. Prior to that I had been going along without much direction but to do my best at my job, cherish my family, and try to be a good person. The birth of my daughter caused me to really step back and assess my goals in life. She reminded me that every day is important, and that there is no time to waste. The creation of life and watching hers unfold each day reminded me that I too am unfolding, and I am a force of creation. All things are possible if I just choose to take part.
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Another interesting turn of events is that I not only got accepted, but was offered a partial financial support. This financial support would require 10 hours of work throughout the week. It would also mean that I would probably have to take at least 2 classes next fall. My plan before was to take just one. I think I need to talk to the department before I accept it. I also need to talk to my boss. Perhaps we can work out a flex plan for my work schedule to accommodate – at least try it for a few months to see if it works. Also, with Nadie being out of work, I can’t really plan on not working full-time because we need the money to keep our house going, so I may not be able to accept it. I hope that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be considered for future support.

In other news, I started a new blog. I plan on posting more technology and data visualization related projects at technowonderful…I will still post here. I am just segmenting out work/school related items from this personal/family related stuff.

I hope all is well around the interwebs with you.
Here is your moment of Zen…..

Now I hear the little stinker waking up from her nap. Time for lunch and a walk to the playground!