Saturday, May 23, 2015

comp exam



I turned in my comprehensive exam on Monday.  I had to work on Monday, although I was physically at my school my mind was on my paper.  My plan was to get off work and go directly to CSULA because my test was due at 5pm.  After work, I get in my car ready to go, and as I look down I realize I had “zero” gas. I was supposed to put gas in my car that morning before dropping off the kids at school and driving to work (I had 18 miles left then).  I looked at the time, and it was 4:20pm… I panicked and almost started crying there was no way I can make it to CSULA with no gas.   Have you ever been so busy that you forget to put gas in your car? 

Stopped for gas, called my dad and told him that I would pick him up so I would not have to waste time trying to find parking.  Thank goodness for my dad.  We drove up to CSULA at 4:57pm, I pulled up to the red curb, grabbed my envelope and ran to the office (I don’t think I ever moved so fast).  I made it to the office just in time to hand in the envelope containing my test.
As I reflect on the last two years, I realize that I would not be where I am without my family.  My dad 
left what he was doing just to go to school with me.  My parents help more than words can explain.  My mother picks up the kids from school every day and cooks my family dinner once a week.  My husband is a mom and a dad many times because I am so busy with school work.  The degree that I am earning is not just mine; it belongs to my mom, dad, husband, and kids. 

6 comments:

  1. What a day!

    Congratulations on getting there just in time. The scenario you just described is my worst nightmare when it's time for me to take the comps.

    Well, thank your dad for the quick action and providing you front door service in helping you beat that clock.

    You're right. This hard work is not just for you, it is for everyone around you to celebrate with you the hard work and dedication you put in to get here. It was no walk in the park. And I hope it pays off in the future for your career endeavors.

    Have a great weekend and what a day that was. You're done!!!

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  2. Congratulations! Enjoy your long weekend! You have a great family. Indeed it is a family affair. You all have earned it.

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  3. You know, some days I feel like crying and I don't think I have even half the responsibilities you do. It's so great that you recognise and appreciate the support you have around you. I've been wondering how you keep it together but now I understand that along with your hard work, there has been hard work put in by a lot of people you can count on.

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  4. Congratulations! I'm sure you did very well on the comp exam. Family is everything to me as well. I have my parents and sisters 8 hours on a non-stop flight away from me, but they are always there for me regardless. Thanks to technology, we are in constant contact. My mom even opened a facebook account just to be more informed of what I'm up to! It is a nice feeling to have your family who you can count on unconditionally. People, boyfriends, friends, etc, they can come and go, but never your family. They will always be there for you.

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  5. I have been thinking about your blog about how some of us often forget how important our family is. I have been thinking about your blog even more given that one of the topics for the group project in my TESL 565 class is about family. I have done the same many times. Building on what you said, sometimes we focus so much on our own situations that we forget about two things. One, we forget about all the great and priceless help that we so often get from the people that we love and love us. And two, we focus so much on our own situations that we forget to acknowledge other people’s situations, and we forget to express a simple “thank you for all your help, I truly appreciate it.” In my case, especially lately, I have been focusing so much on some of my personal stressful situations that I forget to say “thank you” to my mother, siblings of friends. And then randomly, at some point, something in my mind suddenly says, “stop, look around, notice all the help and blessings that you have because of the help of your loved ones, stop and take some time to express some gratitude to those people who are willing to help you whenever possible.” I have started to work more on thinking more about my family and friends, and less about me. Best wishes on your Comp Exam, I know you will do well!

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  6. A degree and any other accomplishment in life belongs to everyone in the family. You would not have been able to complete the program unless you had had a supportive family. The same applies to undergrads. Families are critical, enjoy your family, honor your family.

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