IT’S A BALANCING ACT!

Crysten Flanigan          

Cristen Flanagan and Family

Guess What? I never thought I would be applying to Graduate School at the age of forty -three, but that’s exactly what I did. I substituted for three years (I was even lucky enough to teach all of our four children!), after having the opportunity to teach my own class, I realized this was my new calling…to become a teacher. I asked my supervising principal to recommend a good graduate school. The response was, The College of Charleston has an excellent education program, so I applied to the MAT program for Special Education.

And so, here I am…a year and half later, about to begin my last semester of classes, before I start my student teaching. Friends have asked me how I keep it all together. I tell them I have a husband who knows how to cook (Andolini’s on speed dial is always helpful), runs errands, and has an endless supply of energy. I also remind them that they have a lot going on as well. It’s all about your priorities. You do what needs to get done. And just like anything else you want to accomplish – for it to be a success it takes a lot of hard work and perseverance!

Between working 20 hours per week as a Graduate Assistant, attending three evenings of night classes, writing papers and cramming projects in the equation, assisting with the kiddos homework, running to orthodontist and medical checks, helping my husband with his business on my days off, and scheduling trips to Utica College to visit our new freshman.…Did I say cooking? I didn’t think so. Oh, and of course, coloring my gray hair. At the end of the day I can honestly say I wouldn’t change any of it. It’s a balancing act. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. 🙂

balancingact

One thought on “IT’S A BALANCING ACT!

  1. Christen,

    You ARE amazing! Best of luck in your future “new” career. It’s great to be doing it all over 40, isn’t it?:)

    Natalie

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