Hi friends!

If you read into my post from June, you’ll know I have some big plans for the future.

After returning to Texas from NYU, I took off two years before considering returning to academia. Life has been (considerably) overwhelming, and there was no way I would be able to handle both working and school until now.

Literally MEEEEE as I step back into the classroom.

I have returned to school at The University of Texas at Dallas, where I am finishing up pre-reqs, brushing up on material, and preparing to apply for graduate school once this process is doooneeee. I will not be attending grad school at UTD, because they do not offer the program I want, but it is a decent place to start to get my foot back in the door.

I am excited to accomplish a graduate degree that will enable me to work in a field I really feel called to. Working as a therapist would be a fulfilling career choice, and I am keeping this in the back of my mind as I return to the world of homework, studying, and sleepless nights.

So long as everything continues as planned, I should be able to finish everything up within three years time. This gives me some lee-way in case I need to take a lower course load for whatever reason. I am trying to remind myself that none of this is a race, and there is no real rush to the finish line. My focus should ideally just be on obtaining the degree, not the time frame it takes to get there… but, being controlling and OCD as usual, I have had a difficult time allowing myself any room for slip ups and failures along the way.

A few things I am trying to remember during this time:

1. Taking time off school was much needed, and I am not a failure for waiting until the time was right for me to return. 
2. Spending less time with friends and more time in class is frustrating, but luckily my friends and family are very supportive of me and understand that I now have less free time than usual.
   

   I am an overwhelmed bich and it shows. (Sometimes.)

3. I need to spend adequate time studying and preparing for class. Buying proper supplies, planning for tests and assignments, and otherwise organizing my schedule is really important to keep me on track. I have a terrible tendency to forget things. 
4. Taking out student loans really effing sucks, but will be worth it in the end. Although admittedly, I am dumbfounded as to why FAFSA thinks I can afford books, let alone tuition. YALL SEE MY TAX RETURNS, PEOPLE. (Buuuut….after all, who doesn’t have student debt at this point?) 
   

   Not my text… but def my thoughts. #bookscostmorethanrent

5. For the love of God and all things holy, PLEASE REMEMBER TO EAT, NATALIE! 

badabing bada boooom. done.

Right now, I am taking three classes and working full time. I have been able to manage this pretty well, with night classes and whatnot. I feel comfortable with the pace of the classes, and think I will be able to maintain this throughout upcoming semesters. 

So, on a happy note, I’m looking forward to the rest of this semester and the classes to come. WISH ME LUCK!

Sorry that I don’t make that tuition breddd like you think I do, FAFSA.