W. Chris Rostel
As I wrote this I was distracted by wrapping up my senior design project, the overtime required by my work, and my teenage daughter, who insists my lifelong ambition is to find new ways to persecute her.
Enough with the whining and excuse making. I knew it would be tough 7 years ago when I embarked upon this journey now culminating in a B.S. in physics (while working full time and raising my young family). It all started innocently enough. I accepted a night position so that my children would not need day care while my wife returned to college to complete her B.A. and earn her teaching credential. Unfortunately, the people at my new job were all highly educated and skilled. I had a two year occupational degree that had served me well, but it did not take long for me to become dissatisfied with my education in their presence. I resolved to return to school when my wife completed her education.
Am I glad I did it? It has come at a great personal cost. My quality of life (no free time, no time for friends) is sorely missed. But it has enhanced my career. I now work as an engineer. The scientific foundation I have acquired has made me capable of understanding more than I had ever dreamed existed. Life is full of trade-offs. I believe that having put my personal life on hold will be well worthwhile in the long run. The quality of my life, intellectual and financial, will be enhanced by my education. But right now all I feel is tired. I am looking forward to getting back some of my personal life and free time. Maybe I will even watch an episode of "Seinfeld" and find out what everyone is talking about!
