Personal Narrative: My Arizona State University Journey

The college do-over: When exiting the military, I had many things on my mind. I had new future and wife to think about. I always knew that when it came time to leave the military that I would go back to school to get my degree. Sure it would have been easier to use my military background to obtain a position as a government civilian contractor or a police officer, however I was over taking the easy route. I also wanted to do things differently as a civilian and make sure I made decisions that were best for my wife and I. My wife was very aware of how I struggled in school. I told her that this was my chance to make things right and show my parents that all their efforts did not go to waste. Since I used the military as a way to avoid dealing …show more content…
I can honestly say that it feels amazing and even though I am technically finished yet, I still have that feeling of accomplishment. The only aspect of my Arizona State University journey is that my mom passed away before she had the chance to see me finish and walk on graduation. It is extremely difficult to think about her not being there to see me walk across the stage. I am going to finish strong. I am dedicating this accomplishment to her. She put up with so much of my crap while growing up. At least I was blessed enough for her to see me make it to the halfway point at Arizona State. In the last weeks of her life, I promised her that no matter what I would finish. She passed away in the third week of one of my sessions. My teachers and the faculty at Arizona State was encouraging me to drop that session without any repercussions so I could have the time to grieve and focus on my father’s well being. I respectfully said no to all of them. I explained to them that I had made a promise to my mom. I was also scared that once I stopped I would never go back. All those insecurities and fears from my past experiences in school flooded my