I still can't believe I graduated. It's just an LPN (for now) and I'm definitely going to continue but those 2 years were so long, draining, and it's nice to know i'm 3 quarters away from an RN. (And another 3 quarters after that to get my BSN :) I feel like it's been long overdue, considering how long it's taken me and have applied/been rejected so many times, volunteering and working as a CNA for long hours but it worked out alright. I'm 25 and feel like a "new person" with a "new life" after going through boot camp aka nursing school. Before school, I felt so frustrated in life. I wanted a foundation so badly and just wanted to be in school so I could have a career. Time was passing by so fast and I felt like I was placed in a circle I definitely did not belong in (full of early twenty/21 y.o's taking random college classes/partying, not responsible or serious about life). I wanted to take control of it so I could go to school, get my career, be in a meaningful relationship that will hopefully lead to marriage (in a few years). Throughout school, I've grown more. I've become much more protective of myself, self respect and love grew. I realized there's no time to waste or energy to waste being around certain people and in school, you naturally gravitate towards people like you and tolerate less of those you don't have much in common with. (you now how school was... so many things to do, so little time).
I admit, I had a hunch I was outgrowing apart from friends as I started the program but it became much more clear while I was in school. I still love my friends but you just know what you want to be a part of and what you don't want to be a part of; the kind of person you want to be vs. the person you don't want to settle into. Now that I'm done, some of these friends are excited I'm back and want to hang out... I still do but it's different now. The more you grow and do things for yourself, you realize your capabilities, comfort zones, and the confidence to reach far. Nothing arrogant or egotistical. One friend has a family that's almost cultish - one event you go, you're expected to go to every and that's not me. One friend has lost herself bc she's ALWAYS with her long term boyfriend, whom she's still figuring out if he's "the one" and one friend who I don't have many values/manners I can identify with. Anyhoo, I'm definitely feeling different, like a different aura yet at the same time I can't believe it. I don't know what's going to happen but I'm trying to keep my mind and heart open with good things that can come my way... thoughts and advice?
I feel like i'm in a daze right now... haha not sure if that's normal. I'm definitely going to keep moving up with my degree, so school is not over but I just feel so different!