If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be a single mom to five kids and getting ready to start grad school, I would’ve thought you were crazy.

But here we are. Somewhat killing it… well, maybe!

Last summer, I found myself feeling restless—caught between the daily chaos of mom life and this vague sense that I was meant for something more. I wasn’t sure what it was at the time. I just knew I couldn’t keep living on autopilot.

Years ago, I had started college but never finished. I told myself it was just a short break. That “short break” turned into 15 years.

So last summer, I looked into what it would take to finally finish. I had seven classes left. Go back to school? With five kids? Working full time? Honestly… bet. I found an undergraduate program in my state that was fully online (because let’s be real—I needed flexibility), reapplied, and jumped in.

And in May—I graduated with my bachelor’s degree!
My kids were right there cheering me on, and it was one of the best moments of my life.

During my final semester, I started thinking about grad school—specifically, a master’s in mental health counseling. I loved the idea of it… but I doubted myself. My undergrad performance hadn’t always been great, and part of me thought I wouldn’t stand a chance at getting in.

Still, the more I sat with the idea, the more I wanted it.

I applied to several programs and was denied from all but one. But all it takes is one yes. The day I got that acceptance email, I yelled, “I GOT INTO GRAD SCHOOL!!!”
My girls came running, squealing and hugging me—they knew how big this moment was.

So why mental health counseling?

Because I’ve lived through the kind of pain I want to help others heal from.
I came out of an abusive marriage—and if you’ve read my other posts, you know it was the kind of hard that changes you. But I survived. And I didn’t just survive—I grew. I’m going back to school because I want to be that person who looks someone in the eye and says, “I know it’s hard. I know you’re tired. But I promise—it gets better.”

If I can do this, anyone can.

I start my first semester of grad school in just a few weeks. Am I ready? Yes… and no. I’m already trying to figure out how I’ll juggle two classes, full-time work, housework, and, well, keeping five kids alive.
(You better believe I’ll be posting about all that too—maybe even sharing tips, if I ever figure out what I’m doing.)

Overall, I’m excited. Nervous? Sure. Overwhelmed? Occasionally. But this dream means something to me—and anything worth chasing usually isn’t easy.

Kind of like leaving an abusive relationship. I won’t sugarcoat it: it’s not easy.
But it’s absolutely, undeniably worth it.

If you’ve walked a similar road—graduated later in life, started over as a single mom, or chased a dream in the chaos—I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment below or send me a message. We’re in this together.