I like going to school. I enjoy it even more now than when I was a teenager. I don’t know if the difference is that as a teenager I had to go and now I want to go, but it is something I really enjoy doing.

During a recent coffee break with my neighbor she asked how I possibly had the time to go to college.

I paused for a moment because I had that same question when I filled out my college application. Will I be able to make this work? Will I be able to finish a semester? My answer was simple: yes, with time management.

I’m a busy person. I’m up early, every morning, just like when I was in boot camp and out the door before the sun rises. Throughout the day I’m in and out of the house as I run errands. How does college fit in?

I scheduled my classes to fit with my daily routine. After I drop my children at school in the morning, I head to campus for class and I’m home to pick them up on time. Between my classes I catch up on homework and studying.

It’s also great to have a helping hand like my husband who picks the children up when I need him to.

I have to shift my time management strategy when he is deployed. I always keep his schedule in mind as I register for classes. You definitely don’t want to register for a class that may cause you to miss another event, such as picking up your children, without having a back-up plan in place.

Managing a busy schedule can seem difficult. This is how you begin. Sit down and make a chart of your daily routine, listing everything according to time, when you start, stop and how often. Look for your free blocks of time: are you free in the mornings, the afternoon, or the evening?

Then, schedule your classes during those free times. Don’t have free time? Skip the on-campus classes and take online courses instead. This can make your schedule a little more flexible since your daily log in is generally done at your convenience rather than at a set time.

Also, make a plan with your spouse. Before I registered for classes, I checked my husband’s work schedule and his availability to pick up the kids if needed and watch them while I study.

Time management is one of the most important tools you have to build a successful college career. And, the time management skills you learn can help streamline all your daily routines and goals.

Online colleges are great for military spouses who have a busy schedule. I think they are the best and most flexible way to get your degree.

I attended an online college while I was in the Navy. My spouse is also in the Navy and between the two of us we had a very busy work schedule. I was also pregnant with our second child.

However, I was ready to go back to school. I talked to the Navy college counselor on base and he recommended a variety of colleges and universities that were military friendly and online. I enrolled in the school that best fit my needs and away I went.

It was great. At work, when I had a spare moment, I was able to log in and talk to my professor or check my next assignment and grades. At home I was able to do the same while changing diapers and doing my daily routine around the house.

In the middle of my semester, we had to PCS. I didn’t want anything to stop my studies. Attending an online school kept my semester rolling, despite the move.

I notified my instructor of my pending relocation and I asked about any upcoming key assignments such as midterms, tests and papers. With this advanced notice I was able to have my assignment due dates adjusted to accommodate my move.

Also, I aimed to complete all my assignments at least one week before I arrived at our next duty station. This was extra work for me but I was thankful in the end. By completing the majority of my assignments before the move, I had time to recover from the cross-country driving and adjust to my new surroundings.

After a day of relaxation, I set up my internet connection and could immediately access my course assignments. That’s one of the best parts of online education, as long as you have a laptop and internet connection, you are all set to go.

Within days of arriving in our new home, I was back to working on my assignments and daily studying. I also reminded my spouse that each day I would be dedicating time to schoolwork.

Online classes are accessible and flexible. For service members and military spouses, I think an online college means the least amount of hassle in our very hectic lives. Don’t let a PCS or work get in the way of achieving your education goals. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Going to school is not easy to do. While some people may not consider being a student a job, I think it is.

You have to research the different schools and programs. Decide how this is going to benefit you and your family. Will you grow in your career with this new degree? And then, there is what I worry about the most: how I will pay for school.

I start, by doing my homework. I take advantage of all the scholarships offered, both military and civilian. Your local library should have a scholarship directory that will list the awards based on a variety of stipulations including student age, cultural background, state of residency and field of study.

 Here are some national scholarship programs you may qualify for:

ThanksUSA.org

This non-partisan, charitable organization provides need-based college, technical and vocational school scholarships for children and spouses of service members.

MYCAA

This program provides up to $4,000 of Financial Assistance for military spouses who are pursuing degree programs, licenses or credentials leading to employment in portable career fields.

Spouse and Dependents Education Assistance Program

This program is for families of disabled veterans and service members killed in action. Family members could be eligible for up to 45 months of education benefits for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Salute to Spouses Scholarship

Bryant & Stratton College offers military spouses $6,000 in scholarship money to make their dreams a reality. Spouses can attend class both online and at Bryant & Stratton College campuses around the nation.

Pell Grants

Pell Grants are the foundation of federal student financial aid, generally awarded to undergraduate students. Unlike loans, Pell Grants are not paid back.

This is just a small percentage of the thousands of dollars of scholarship money available every year to students. Don’t miss out. Doing your homework before class starts will save you a lot of stress and help keep your pocketbook shut.

When I was young, I wanted to be a ballerina. I twirled around my room in my pink tutu and pretended I was on stage.

Then, I wanted to be a schoolteacher. In high school, and until the time I joined the military, I wanted to be a radio broadcaster. Each dream I had also came with a goal - to be the best I can possibly be.

After nine years in the Navy, I had a totally different dream: to be a nurse and to help people who cannot help themselves.

At the time, I had no clue what becoming a nurse entailed and wasn’t even sure I could stand working around blood. I decided to take baby steps. Since I want to be the best at my job, I also want to take advantage of all the educational opportunities that come my way.

I made myself a “Goal Poster.” My goal is to finish my nursing degree and to eventually open a medical clinic with my husband. On this poster is a list of goals that I strive to achieve within six months, two years and after graduation. Every time I meet one of my goals, I give myself a happy face sticker and write down the date. This serves as a reminder for when I feel that I can’t do it. I can do all of this and more.

There are so many ways to determine your goals, track them and reach them! Never give up and strive to be the best. Make that “Goal Poster” count!

Midterms are almost over and grades are coming in. This is when I am the most nervous. My mind is filled with questions: Have I studied enough? Could I have done more? 

Each semester I register for three classes: one that is needed for my degree, one that I am interested in (either within my field or outside of my degree) and finally, a class that will challenge me beyond my comfort zone. This last class is typically where I learn the most because facing an extra challenge is how I learn best. I love challenges because I not only learn something new, but I also see what I’m capable of doing.

I know I work hard in all of my classes but I’m also the first one to beat myself up if I do poorly. I learned the hard way early on that slacking off does not work.

So now, to do well in a class, I keep with the same study routine. I fear that changing my routine will interrupt my study flow. When I find myself struggling in a class, I double my study time. I go all out - tutors, flash cards and extra note taking. The library becomes a second home to me. The last thing I want to see is a below average grade on my transcript.

An important tip to remember as a military spouse is to save all your report cards and transcripts and keep track of your credits. I do. I’ve found it is important to carry copies of these forms as you move to a new duty station or enroll in a new school. The counselor will ask to see them and you can enroll quicker and easier if you keep them on hand rather than request for them to be sent with each move.

Also, I take the math and English tests each semester. It may sound a little silly but you will be surprised by how much you learn in a single semester meaning your score on these tests will rise.

My worst subject is math and that’s the one subject that I need the most to complete my nursing degree. I am constantly working extra hard to make sure I am not just succeeded but also moving forward. Retaking the math test each semester helps me to gauge my progress.

I push myself to earn the best grades I can each semester. I find out what works for me as I study and continue to move forward. You can do the same. Find what methods work for you and reach for the stars!

When it’s time to register for classes, the first thing I think about is finding the courses that best fit both my home schedule and my military life schedule.

To make sure I am able to pick up the kids from school, I take morning and early afternoon classes. Sometimes that means a class I really need, that is offered in the afternoon, will have to wait until another semester when it is offered at a different time.

In addition to meshing my schedule with my children’s commitments, I have to fit in my husband’s schedule as well. Normally, he’s able to pick up the children during the day but if he has to work late or his unit is in the field, all the duties of the house are left to me.

I have had to retake or drop a course because of deployments and PCS moves. I’ve missed final exams too. These are the sacrifices we make as college students who also serve as military spouses. Many of us have experienced these hardships. Learning to manage the chaos can make scheduling your classes into your family life much easier.

I carry my calendar at all times and keep track of my kids’ school activities, extra-curricular activities and my husband’s weekly work schedule. Once I have an overview of the flow of the month, I can begin choosing my classes based on the free time left over.

Next, I map the quickest route between my house, the kids’ school, the base and college. Since I’m on the go so much, it is important to know how quickly I can travel between each place. Every minute is precious!

With my classes chosen, and my family’s schedule set, I fill much of the remainder of my calendar with study time. The best time for me is after the children wind down and the house is semi-quiet, usually around 8 p.m. Since my classes alternate days, I usually have homework for one class each night.

None of this schedule juggling would be possible without my support system at home. My family knows how important school is to me and they give me the time to do what I need to achieve my dreams.

Managing everyday life and attending school can be stressful. But if you take the time to map out your days and take control of your time, you can eliminate the feeling of being overwhelmed. 

Finding time to study is a task in itself. The insanity of three major holidays makes the chore even harder. And this year, my husband is going to be in the field for most of November making me a single parent and doubling my daily to-do list.

During Halloween, I got lucky. Rather than make costumes by hand, I found my son’s on sale and borrowed my daughter’s costume from a friend. It meant my study time wasn’t taken away by focusing on the holiday.

Now, with my husband preparing to leave, and Thanksgiving coming, life is becoming pretty insane. I’ve had to adjust my schedule to fit everything in.

Now, I get up an hour earlier to study. Once the children are up and out the door, I drive to campus and study again in my car.

By mid-day I am at aerobics class, which counts for my third and fourth class of the day. I squeeze studying in while using the treadmill – my biggest time management win – studying and taking a class all at once!

Preparing to travel for Thanksgiving this year has also meant adjusting a lot of my study plans.

My grandmother’s 72nd birthday is the day before Thanksgiving and our entire, huge family, most of them under age 10, is gathering to celebrate both occasions. My husband is due home the same day.

It was decision time.

Rather than head home for the birthday, my children and I will wait here to welcome my husband back. Then, we’ll make the two-hour drive, to celebrate Thanksgiving with the rest of my family. This extra day away from the celebration will give me more time to study for my midterms while I wait for my husband.

And when we do travel, my schoolbooks are coming with us. Once at my grandma’s house, after the turkey has been served, I plan to lock myself in my old bedroom. I still have the key and this space can be my safe, study haven.

My plan is to lock myself in and get as much studying done as possible.

Hopefully, my plans for this holiday will go smoothly especially with finals coming up in December, but I know, being a military wife, nothing goes exactly the way you hope.

The key to free time is effective time management. As holidays, midterms and finals approach, you have to make time at least once a week for yourself.

Tuesdays and Thursdays are the only days I have just one class. After my class time is finished, I am free to do whatever I want until it is time to take my son to Jiu Jitsu. However, this time is usually taken up by errands I have to run and getting in extra study time before the kids get home.

But, recently I’ve found the importance in having free time. Don’t get me wrong, I still think it’s important to be committed to schoolwork and take school seriously. But especially as holidays, midterms and finals approach, you have to take some time off at least once a week. Whether you start a book that isn’t required for class, go to the gym or hang out with friends. It doesn’t matter what you do with your time, just make sure you take time for you.

I’ve carved out a special night just for me each week. Tuesday nights are reserved for free time away from college, household chores and errands. Every week I meet a group of women just like me whose days are swamped with errands, diaper changing, college papers and house cleaning. But on Tuesdays, it is officially, Military Wives Night Out!

We meet for dinner and a movie. It is a well-deserved night off but it is also a night to connect with military spouses who are facing many of the same challenges.

These outings are especially great for me since I’m fairly new to the area and I don’t have many friends. It gives me an opportunity to meet other military spouses and hear their advice. I have also met wives in the group whose husbands are in the same unit as mine. Now, when they deploy, I have a stronger support system with them and they with me.

Since I’ve begun taking this time once a week to leave my busy life, my mind has been clearer.  After my Tuesday class, I go to the library and complete any assignments that may be due the next morning. This way, I don’t have to stay up all night trying to complete them after my free night out.

Also finishing my homework earlier in the day gives me more quality time with my family, which I truly enjoy. I don’t feel as stressed and I’m actually more focused on my schoolwork!  I look forward to my Tuesday because it’s like a reset for the rest of the week.

I recommend that all of you look for the free time in your busy schedule. It’s a must! Even the smallest amount of time for you will make an enormous difference.

Finding a new job or college to attend in a new location can be very stressful. It is especially difficult for a military spouse who is moving every three years or less.

As a military spouse these changes can include looking for a new job, becoming a stay-at-home parent or a college student. These changes affect our everyday lifestyle.

I’ve found some tips that have eased my PCS stress and I would like to share them with you.

Research your new location:As soon as my spouse lets me know where we will be stationed, I’m on the computer doing my own of Recon of the area. This gives me a good look at what schools are best for me and for my children, the distance from my house to the base and what jobs are available in the area.

Learn about your Fleet & Family Support Services:If you have a spouse like mine who’s constantly deploying, become familiar with the Fleet Family Support Group and the Family Readiness Group. Not only do they have information on numerous programs for dependents and spouses, they also hold job fairs and help you with college information as well.

Begin Job Hunting:I’ve always found this handy for learning new information, regardless of whether I wanted to work or not. I update my resume when we get ready to PCS. I also visit the base website and search for jobs available on base. I attend job fairs and I make an appointment to talk with the Family Service Office to see what they have available.

Spouse Groups:As a mother of two, I’m around my children all the time. A couple of weeks ago I met a military spouse at a carnival who started a spouse group that goes out every Tuesday night for dinner and a movie. I attended my first meeting this week. Let me tell you, I had a great time. I actually had a full conversation with other adults and all the wives were super nice. Some of the wives’ husbands were in the same unit as mine.

Finding new ways to deal with being the new girl on the block has helped my family out so much. Hopefully it helps you out as well. You’ll be surprised how many spouses feel the same way you do and you may find a great friend along the way.

The holidays are here, my favorite time of the year. It’s also the busiest time of the year.

October is Halloween - doors and front yards are decorated with spider webs, witches and goblins. My pantry looks like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and it seems like every week there’s an event to attend to.

On top of that, I have midterms.

I have three classes to study for and their midterms are all the same week. My brain is going to be fried by the end of this. Every hour counts for me. Any little bit of time, doesn’t matter where I’m at, needs to be spent studying.  I say that to myself every morning when I open my eyes, yet the day doesn’t quiet go as planned.

This week my daughter has Back to School night. It’s only for a couple of hours but those are precious hours that I could spend making flash cards and going over my notes from class.

Also, my son has Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practice which has been moved to a farther location, meaning more time in the car and less time with the books.

Plus, my husband is in the field for two days this week which means I have to make sure he has all of his

gear ready to go.

Since most of my time is spent running around with, or for, my family, I’ve had to get creative when I study. My little, secret place is my car. I have a stash of flashcards in my glove compartment so if I’m waiting on someone, or just need some peace and quiet, I go in my car and study for a bit. My husband looks at me like I am crazy sometimes but it works.

I’m a visual person so for me to remember what I’m studying, I have to physically see it. I have tons of flashcards. Also, I watch School House Rock on YouTube. Yes, it’s really old school, but those videos give me a lot of information and the songs are catchy - which also helps me to remember.

Through all the hustle and bustle I still manage to get to class on time, attend any after-school events my children have, run my list of errands, help my husband pack, make dinner and help with homework.

To keep myself motivated through these hectic times I made myself a goal sheet that lists what I’ve achieved and what I still need to accomplish to become a registered nurse. I look at my achievements and that motivates me to keep moving forward.

So at night, when the house is quiet and the children are sleeping; I will pour myself a big glass of coffee and hit the books.

I wish there was a class for multi-tasking because that’s a class I would definitely get an “A” in.