Well, I've started back to University, which had gotten a little sidelined by my JW experience. About 15 years ago I'd done a few semesters of college, but really didn't know what I wanted to do in life. I went to business college, entered the workforce, and right about the time I was going to go back to school, was brought into the JWs by a coworker. All educational goals were sidelined as I awaited the 'new system' where I could do what I wanted (yadda yadda yadda).
A few years ago I decided I wanted to upgrade my career skills. So I was taking some night classes and weekend classes (boy, were those a subject of controversy, my one Saturday a month for 6 months where I finished a Technical Writing certificate and how awful it was that I did it...*rolls eyes*), and last October decided that I wanted to go for a Bachelor's degree. I started with one course (web based correspondence), and have spent the last 6 months slogging it out through a demanding work schedule, leaving the JWs and all the related emotional turmoil, being out of work, and doubting my own ability to do this at this point in my life. (Okay not just doubting my ability, but firmly convinced several times that I could not do this, was completely insane and lacked the staying power to do it.)
I got my grade about a week ago. An A! I'm so happy, and so proud of myself. The other good news I got was all my credits from 15 years ago have been applied to the degree program...so now I'm actually 1/4 of the way to my degree!
I know I'm blowing my own horn, and I feel some reflex shame at my lack of humility (*sigh*), but I really am pleased. I worked really hard and it paid off. And I also wanted to post in case there's anyone else who's made it out with less of an education than they want...it -is- possible to do it...and I hope that if you really want to, you do!
And now I have 2 more courses starting this week.