My academic mentor sent me an email today welcoming me to my second year/Term 3. For some reason I started hearing the theme from Mary Tyler Moore show playing in my head and I thought, "maybe I’m gonna make it through college after all!" Yippeee! If I’d worn a hat today I’d’ve thrown it in the air.

For those of you already-graduates or who never bothered with college who are thinking about now that I’m a little insane, let me tell you exactly why this is a huge deal for me:

a) I’m over 40 and am finally getting my bachelor’s degree;

b) I’ve never been one to see myself completing really hard tasks. I usually quit, or at least see myself as a quitter because even if my body made it to the finish, my mind and spirit gave up long before;

c) It’s even harder to go to school full-time when you’re old(er);

d) I’m taking 24 credit hours per semester in the hopes of graduating in 3 years instead of 4; that’s nearly double what a full-time student takes;

e) I’m working full-time at the same time;

f) ohmygawd no wonder I’m tired all the time and have no social life!!

g) I just didn’t want to end on "f"; it’s not a good letter for a student.

So everybody together now, let’s throw our hats in the air and celebrate the beginning of Year Two of Lu’s University Education Madness. Yippee! I’m gonna make it after all!!

Who can turn the world on with her smile?
Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile?
Well it’s you girl, and you should know it
With each glance and every little movement you show it

Love is all around, no need to waste it
You can have a town, why don’t you take it
You’re gonna make it after all
You’re gonna make it after all

How will you make it on your own?
This world is awfully big, girl this time you’re all alone
But it’s time you started living
It’s time you let someone else do some giving

Love is all around, no need to waste it
You can have a town, why don’t you take it
You’re gonna make it after all
You’re gonna make it after all

Love is All Around — by Paul Williams