I’m currently a Pathways student, who is majoring in Special Education. If you’ve read my blogs before, you know my story but here is a little about me. I went to college when I was 18 at NWMSU and majored in English and then switched my major to Elementary Education with an emphasis in English ( couldn’t lose all those credits, could I?). When I was a junior my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and my world fell apart. My parents couldn’t afford my education and I didn’t qualify for financial aid based off of my parents income. So, long story short I had to quit school, get a job and try here and there to continue my education. Through this time, I always prayed to God to allow me to return and finish the degree, that I promised both my parents I would.
I’m now 41 and blessed to have found the Pathways program through Fontbonne two years ago (my how time flies). It gives me the ability to work, go to school online, and have my family. I am thankful daily for the Pathways program because it will allow me to live my dream of being a teacher within my own classroom soon. I currently have three classes online. This year has been filled with stress and strain in my personal life, from health concerns to a separation in my marriage. I am blessed though to have three awesome cheerleaders in my life, God, Emily (my daughter), and Dale (my son).
This week in my health class. I saw that I have an assignment that is doing a stress test. I literally laughed and cried at the thought of taking it and then writing about it. I think this could be the most cathartic assignment that I have had in all my college classes. I have to physically take a written test but also get to grade it and then write about my findings. I have been feeling overwhelmed lately in my life because of guilt over my marriage, inability to pay my bills and mortgage in a timely manner, and guilt over not being able to provide for my kids like I want. This is why this health class assignment literally came at the right time for me. It will give me the ability to express my feeling and emotions that have me hurting so bad onto paper and then more importantly help me to give all those feelings up to God.
I’m thankful for the assignment because it reminds me that I have to give away all of guilt and fears of the future to God because He is truly in control and will love, bless, and guide my path. He did put me on the path to finish my degree when He placed Fontbonne in my path. For that I am so grateful today.
I want to share a Bible verse from the church service I attended this Sunday. It is found in 2 Corinthians 3:18- “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord”. My pastor talked to us about not seeing all the stress, strain, etc. when we look into the mirror but challenged us to look daily in the mirror and see the face of God. So, there’s a challenge for both you and I this week. Let us take time daily to look in the mirror and no see all the imperfections, stress, or beauty but see the face of God. It is the face that God loves and cares about and wants to set out into the world and be the face, feet, and hands of Him so we can bless others around us with His love and face.
Blessings on your week- Sherry
Tagged as:
online class,
Pathways,
Stress test
I have been praying lately about the types of changes that I need to make and asking for God’s direction as to what I need to do in my life. The one thing that remains steadfast in His direction is my continues studies at Fontbonne. I am blessed with being a Pathways student which has given me the ability to make my own schedule and work on things when I have the time.
I am facing a new challenge of getting four classes done that are general education requirements. I am new to financial aid and learned that I could not get the aid for these classes at the local community college that I need. I am praying and working hard to try to figure out a way to get these classes done so I can earn my degree through Fontbonne.
This fall will be bittersweet for me as a mom because my daughter, Emily, will be a senior in high school. I am constantly reminded that she is growing up and that she will soon be pursuing her own path.
I pray that all of you continue on the path that God has intended for you. Whether that path leads to amazing adventures or bittersweet times I’m sure that you will make it through with God’s love, care, and wonderful mercy.
Blessings-
Sherry
Tagged as:
faith,
Pathways
The question was posed, “How do you share your Fontbonne school spirit?” I knew that when I started looking into Fontbonne and the Pathways program that I would not be the typical on-campus student. In reality, I live about four hours away. What I found out is that Fontbonne’s colors were purple and gold, which are my children’s school colors for Pleasant Hill where we live. This seemed like a small sign that I would somehow fit in.
Since I live at a distance from the campus, I find the way that I show my school spirit is in that I talk with others about Fontbonne. I tell people about the Pathways program and how manageable it is for me. The Pathways program provides me the opportunity to learn from home and allows me to incorporate school into my lifestyle. The professors and advisers from the program have an excellent turn-around time when I call or email them with questions. Everyone that I’ve met at Fontbonne has been supportive and knowledgeable.
If you have been reading my blogs, you know that I recently underwent surgery and have been waiting for biopsy results. This has been a stressful time for me and my family. Last week I went to the doctor and found that the biopsies looked good… what a sweet blessing from God. I am still not healing as fast as I had hoped, but am blessed to be surrounded by a supportive family, doctor, and my adviser and current professor. I know that with all this support, I will make it through recovery and be able to continue on my educational path.
Blessings on your path -
Sherry
Tagged as:
Griffin Pride,
Pathways,
School Spirit
