I have put a lot of thought into this and I have to admit it was tough. I'm proud of my children for many things. There is a list of things a mile long that I would be proud of if I managed to do them, but what am I proud of myself for actually doing? The one thing I can think of has nothing to do with my children, though I could argue otherwise. The thing I am most proud of is the fact that I am going back to school. For the past three years I have been working full time and going to school year round. This year I have made the commitment to actually go half time. This means on top of my work and family commitments I'm taking two classes a semester.
Why am I torturing myself this way? It's not because I have masochistic tendencies, but because I love it. My major is currently biology, but I hope to transfer to another school and change my major to chemistry with a minor in biology. I'd really love to have a double major and a minor and through math into the mix. My long term goal is to go to grad school, but that is a bridge I'll cross when I get there.
Yes, this will have a positive impact on my family. It will allow me to make more money and will hopefully encourage my children to take their education seriously and go to college at the "right time" and finish before life changes their plans for them. To be honest though, this is all about me! Am I allowed to admit that? For years everything has been all about my husband and children and I never did anything for myself. I would spend my birthday money on clothes for the kids or a family outing they would enjoy. Let's be honest, I still do that, but at least now I have something for me, too.
Hey, maybe when I graduate and get to work you, my family, and everyone else can be proud of me for some medical or biochemical break though I make. Let's just hope I don't cause the end of the human race like in all those sci-fi movies.