Masters degree - I DID IT!!

Today is the day when I get to take a few moments and just revel in a feeling of accomplishment.  On Monday morning I successfully defended my masters degree capstone project.  Wahoo!!!  This means that I have completed all the requirements for my masters degree and that my graduation paperwork is being filed as I type.  Within two weeks I should have a diploma on the way and in January I can participate in commencement exercises.

Yay!!!  Just... YAY!!

I am the first in my immediate family to earn a masters degree.  I did it!  I wanted my children to see that it can be done.  I wanted them to see that they can do it...(cause if I can, they sure can!) and I want them to set the bar high for themselves.

The world is crazy.  We all need insurance.  I feel that education is a form of insurance.  Once it is earned, NOBODY can take it from you.  You might lose your job.  You might lose your car or your house....but you cannot lose your education.  And, should you lose your job, it will make getting another one much easier.

I don't know what doors this degree will open.  I am happy with the work that I do, but I'm open to possibilities.  I'm looking around to see what the next step in my career might be.  But, even if I don't change a thing professionally, I am happy to be able to say that I did it.  I earned a masters degree!  I EARNED it.  Nobody gave it to me.  The government didn't hand it out.  I didn't stand in a line to get it.  I earned it with hard work.  And in the process, I've gained more than a piece of paper.  I gained self respect, knowledge and future opportunities that I am only now beginning to explore.  :)

It feels good!

Now....what is the next goal??