Sacrifices and balance...

Embarking on a new journey through the halls of Concordia this year sees me looking at a struggle approaching. Both Kathy and I are taking the same journey. As awesome as that sounds, two First Nations students (my computer has a problem with there being two Firsts...) tackling stereotypes, the struggle lies in student finances. Her and I are running a student budget and it will be more of a struggle for her than I. I have my band propping me up and a small income from me being a resident manager which gives me breathing room. For Kathy, though, she only has her student loan. After paying for everything she needs to, and back paying for things outstanding, she was left with $887 for the whole 4 months.

There must be sacrifices.

Usually Kathy and I split parental duties relatively down the middle but in this case I think I’m going to have to up my duties despite me needing to keep at the very least a B average. I’m still flustered about this fact. Which is why I’m writing this blog, so it’s really not for all of you, rather for me to sort out my thoughts on how to tackle our conundrum. Normally I would have no problems spending more time with Khaila but when I have to keep on top of psychometrics, ethics, counseling, a practicum, and learning a new language, things can get...loopy. Add a child to that mix.

I’m not in any way considering not doing it, a comment Kathy made when we were starting these discussions, “We can just live off your money”, has me considering taking on the extra payload. But I wonder if there can be a balance on both our parts to make sure we both keep on top of our grades. She has to work weekends (once she finds a job) while the weekends are when I have to get the most work done. Usually I can leave on Sundays and spend the whole day studying. That was when I was the only post sec student in the house. Weekdays have always been somewhat of a flop for studying with Khaila and Kiraleah occupying our time at home. Something Kathy came up with is that we use Kiraleah as a babysitter so we both can leave over the week to study. Perhaps that is the key.

If you want something you've never had, be ready to do things you've never done.

It's not that I've never studied during the week, I've done very little of it. And I've never had all B's in one semester so this is probably a good thing. More studying during the week and less on just the weekend makes sense: 5>2. I'll be working towards a Master's degree and having the high average will help me get there. I'm sure any estudiante with a child can attest to the hurdles being placed a little higher for us. Overall I can and will complete this semester with the grades I need to secure a spot in my future. And I do have lots of support who can and will help me along the way, Kathy being the main one. We'll see how it goes!