Today was my last day at Gadsden State. This is a bittersweet feeling.
I started classes there in January of 2015 and went non-stop. I was never able to go full-time due to work constraints, but I think I made pretty good time. I remember meeting with my Student Support Services adviser not long after I started classes and saying "I think I want to do Computer Science. I want a money job and I like tech. I guess I'll just start and see where it goes." Little did I know that the farther in I got the more I would want to be there and the more driven I would become.
On one hand it does seem like it flew by (probably because I stayed so busy), but on the other I have felt every minute of this experience, for better or worse. I have grown so much in ways that I didn't know I could. But I also sacrificed a lot to make that happen. I fought tooth and nail to get here - against schedule conflicts, against my body, against my mind, against exhaustion, against all of 2016, against a state government that wants to see me fail, and against just plain and simply missing my loved ones. There is no more straightforward way to say this: Sacrifices were made.
Now I've got just under 2 weeks to be ready for JSU. I'm at least half-way done with my college journey to a Bachelor's Degree, and I'm more motivated than ever to finish. I did get the transfer scholarship I wanted, I still have the Pell Grant backing me, and I'm going to go full-time. Work will be freelance and take a back seat to my education. It is not set in stone, but I've got my eye on graduating in May of 2019.
Anyway, I really appreciate all of the support from my friends and family. And to my teachers who are on here I am grateful that you were a part of my journey. Gadsden State will always hold a special place in my heart, and so will you. I wouldn't have made it this far without you. ❤
Now, I'm off to eat, do my nails, and anxiously await the posting of final grades! That never gets old. 😜
