The English (North America) dictionary defines a juggler as a professional entertainer who juggles. It defines juggling as an act to keep several objects in motion in the air at the same time by throwing and catching them in quick succession. If you are a student at the School for Professional Studies (SPS), then consider yourself a juggler.

As an SPS student, I juggle my career, school, and family life on a day-to-day basis. I have two lovely daughters. The youngest is going into her senior year in high school. I also have two adorable grandchildren (Chance & Jasmine) from my oldest daughter who is a married, Registered Nurse. As a family-oriented mother and grandmother, I am involved in a lot of family activities.

Our most recent activity took place at the Renaissance Airport Hotel this past weekend. My youngest daughter was a Missouri State Finalist in the American Coed Pageant for Saint Louis. If you know anything about pageants, you know and understand that a lot of preparation goes into them. Each day was filled with a full day of activities that involved a pajama party, rehearsals, curling irons, make-up, introductions, interviews, talent competitions, sportswear competitions, evening gown competitions, a Gala, and much more.

As a pageant mom, I work very hard to help my daughter become all that she can be in terms of building self-esteem and confidence to carry her a long way in life. This is no easy task when this is added to class studies that include reading chapters, writing papers, group activities, and testing. Additionally, I am the president of the parent association at my daughter’s school where I organize field trips, serve at Baccalaureate Receptions and Graduations, spearhead meetings, serve as an advocate for a trouble teen, and the list goes on.

Nevertheless, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel as I am fast approaching graduation in 2012. SPS advisors are helpful in every way. They assist me with registration in terms of getting me registered for the entire year. They respond quickly to all of my needs and are very sensitive to my educational experience. Each advisor is very competent in what she does. They also do their jobs with kindness. I feel that my education is in good hands with them. They always make me feel that they are happy to help me and want to see me succeed and do everything in their power to help me achieve my goals.

As a future graduate of the SPS program, I can attest that without their willingness to assist me with all that I need to do to become a SLU graduate I could not be the “professional” juggler that I am. This program has done more than assist me in pursuing my dreams, it’s been a blessing to my life. As I juggle my career, school, and family on a day-to-day basis, know that the smile on my face is an SPS smile founded by the grace of God!

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/manchesterlibrary/4998938473/

What do I do with the time? I could have never imagined myself missing school. Though the summer is half over, I find myself missing the hustle and bustle of going to and from class. I am looking forward to starting my second year as an SPS student, and I am excited about what the new school year is going to bring. Over the past year, school became such a big part of my life; it was strange when I realized I did not have an assignment to do or any reading I had to get done.

Do not get me wrong! I enjoy the free time, but I really miss school. Going back to school gave me a great sense of purpose, as well as a great feeling of accomplishment. School also helped me to realize that I have a lot more time on my hands than I used to think. I would often decline invitations to do things during the week because I just felt like there wasn’t enough time in the day. For years I convinced myself not to return to school because I felt I would be too busy to spend time with my children. I have since found that to be untrue.

One thing school has helped me to do is make the best use of my time. My boys and I have been enjoying an array of activities this summer, and we are definitely making the best use of our time. I decided that this year my children and I would all try new things. We will travel to new places, eat at different restaurants, and visit attractions we might not otherwise visit.

Learning to make the best use of my time is one of the best things I could have learned. I used to be content with sitting in the house a lot, now I like to make use of my time. I feel like there’s always something new to do and experience. I do enjoy peaceful days at home relaxing with my family, but I also like to get out and go now. In fact, my family often jokes that they used to always know where I was at, but now they never know. I must say, I am quite pleased with my new time management skills.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/riot/3395820823/