Whispers in corners, a truth veiled in shade, Family secrets, a burden long laid. A tangled web woven, by stories untold, But the future’s unwritten, a future I hold.
The weight of the past, may threaten to bind, But choices I make, shape the path I will find. No longer beholden, to echoes of shame, The power lies in me, to write a new name.
Unraveling threads, may bring understanding, But forgiveness is freedom, a future demanding. For what has transpired, I cannot erase, Yet lessons I learn, pave a brighter space.
The ghosts of the past, may linger and sigh, But their whispers won’t dictate, how my dreams take flight. With courage and strength, I break free from their hold, The future’s unwritten, a story untold.
My journey unfolds, with every sunrise, Defined by my actions, with truth in my eyes. Family secrets, a footnote may be, The future’s my canvas, a masterpiece free.
Juggling Motherhood and Education: A 14-Year Grad School Journey
In the fall of 2011, the same semester my daughter Zelda arrived, I embarked on a marathon of a journey: graduate school. Balancing motherhood with academics, I meticulously chipped away, taking one class a year whenever time and finances allowed. Now, a remarkable 14 years later, I’m just two classes shy of the finish line, aiming to graduate in May 2025 – a quarter-century after my undergraduate degree!
Last year, caring for a sick Zelda meant putting studies on hold. While this resulted in a reapplication, it also gave me the opportunity to update my essay and showcase the valuable experiences I’ve gained since first applying. With only two classes remaining and a near-perfect 3.8 GPA (those pesky B+’s!), I’m confident and excited to return and finish strong.
Essay
Juggling motherhood, a teaching career, and a passion for writing has instilled in me a unique set of skills that I believe would make me a valuable addition to your graduate program. Throughout this journey, I’ve honed my patience, communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. My inherent desire to nurture and inspire extends beyond the classroom, motivating me to pursue knowledge and growth in my own life as well.
My passion for teaching bloomed early. Even as a child, I orchestrated elaborate schools with my stuffed animals and younger siblings. This early interest, however, was unknowingly shaped by a challenging childhood. While my childhood memories painted a picture of a loving home, the reality was far harsher. My parents faced significant financial struggles, and their eventual illness when I was eleven turned my world upside down.
Grief, confusion, and academic struggles followed. Building friendships and finding meaning in life presented immense challenges. However, during this difficult time, dedicated teachers, a supportive youth pastor, and ultimately, my adoptive parents became beacons of hope. Their guidance and unwavering compassion fostered a sense of security and reignited my passion for learning.
The loss of my biological parents remains a source of bittersweet reflection. They instilled in me a deep appreciation for family, and I strive to be the kind of mother and teacher they would be proud of. This unwavering desire for growth fuels my pursuit of knowledge and motivates me to seek out new ways to facilitate learning. I yearn to connect with my students on a deeper level, demonstrate genuine care, and equip them with the latest technological and pedagogical tools for success.
With my diverse experiences, honed skills, and unwavering dedication, I am confident I will be an excellent addition to your teaching program.
Though I can’t feel the sting of forgotten friends, I craft this verse to capture your plight’s trend.
Names once whispered, secrets shared in dark, Now echo hollow, leaving their mark.
You search for answers, a reason to see, Why those paths diverged, why you ceased to be A part of their laughter, their stories untold, A ghost in the machine, a memory grown cold.
Did a harsh word escape in a moment of strife? Did life’s busy whirl pull them from your life?
The truth may be shrouded, a puzzle unseen, But holding onto blame keeps wounds open and keen.
Release the tight grip on what you can’t mend, New chapters are waiting, a story to transcend.
The friends who remain, the ones who hold fast, Are treasures to cherish, a bond that will last.
And though it may prickle, a question to ask, Did you hold them close, complete the kind task
Of nurturing friendship, a two-way street? Growth demands effort, a chance to be meet.
Let go of the why, and focus within, On the strength you possess, the journey to begin.
New connections await, with hearts yet to know, The warmth of your laughter, the depths you can show.
I want to hide away, Away from all of you. You may think my pain is about you. You may think I am thinking about you. No one thinks about you. No one cares where you are. You think they should; you demand they do, And that is why they don’t care where you are.
I want to hide away, Away from all of you. All to the pain, The heartless words, only said to hurt. No feeling inside.
I want to hide away, Away from you. All the pain you cause, when I have more. My pain is not about you, though you think everything is. Everything isn’t about you, though you want it all to be about you. You want to hurt and tear people down. This is why I hide away.
I want to hide away. Away from you. Away from all your pain. The heart words, you only say to hurt. No feelings inside.
