Today was really bittersweet for me as I put my back pack on my shoulders and waddled my pregnant self up to campus again. This time, however, was the last time I will ever set foot onto BYU campus again. It's an exciting feeling knowing you are done. The relief I feel of NEVER having to do homework again and being able to read what I want to is quite rewarding. Though, there is that fear of not having your professors to rely on. But, I'm confident that I will be just fine.
With our baby coming, I don't know if I will ever go into a career. I think it's hard for some women to become successful in business because so much of us end up having children and raising them. When we found out we were pregnant, I was a little shocked and nervous-I kept thinking, "I'm just going to end up being a mom...why do I need a degree?"
But this thinking is NOT accurate. There are multiple reasons to get a degree as a woman, whether you use your degree or not.
Reason #1
It's liberating. It's empowering as a woman to have my name on a piece of paper that is framed. Finishing 4 years of college makes me feel like I can do ANYTHING. I will do anything, as long as it doesn't kill me. (Note to my husband: I'm rethinking my agreement to you on scuba diving in Belize with sharks for our 10 year anniversary).
Reason #2
What if I get a phone call one day, "Your husband has just passed away in a severe car crash." (or something along those lines). As distraught as I may be, I will have a degree and can become a successful career woman to support my family.
Reason #3
Finances could get rough down the road. One day, there could be another huge crash in the economy and I might have to go to work to help bring home the bacon. My degree will just help increase my salary each year.
Reason #4
I want to be a role model. It's cool to have a degree. I want my kids, my nieces/nephews, my younger cousins, to know that. Hopefully it will increase their desire to get a college degree as well.
Reason #5
You learn so much while having the "college experience." From living with roommates to making sure you are in class on time. You grow up when you go to college. I learned responsibility, how to be independent, how to communicate better with others, how to break up with boys, and how to love unconditionally. I also learned things that are very prominent in my major yet can be applicable in any field. I could one day want to go back to get my Masters because I love learning. Who doesn't like learning?
There are so many more reasons for women to get a degree. For some women, it might just be that they want a degree to become a successful career woman. That's a great reason! But, if you are thinking of NOT getting a degree, or some kind of certification in something, I would suggest for you to make a list of all the reasons WHY you should get a degree. They far out weigh the reasons to not finish school.
I loved my time in college. I'm so grateful to my wonderful family who pushed me to finish and supported me during my lengthy decision process of what to major in. My husband is such a rock star to help me out late at night when I had some stressful school projects. And I can't forget all the amazing friends I met in my major and classes. Some of those people I had to rely heavy on this last winter semester while my baby boy was making me so sick-I'm so in debt to them.
Oh, and I can't forget to thank my dad, whom gave me great advice when I got one of 2 C's in college from mandatory religion classes (they are really hard!)..."B's and C's get degrees." I wouldn't live by this motto while going to school, but it comforted me to know that I could still get a degree with getting a C in my Teachings of the Living Prophets class.
CONGRATS TO BYU'S CLASS OF 2014!
