I graduated from college fourteen years ago last spring.  I graduated with a major in English and a minor in Secondary Education.  I graduated cum laude.  I even won an award that year for Outstanding Secondary Education student. 

 Here I am on that fateful day in May, 1994….

(Me with Big D...and he's showing his empty pockets.  Smart alec!)

(Me with Indiana Mimi, Gigi and Debbles, who would later graduate from the same university)

You would think with that kind of jumpstart, with that kind of support from friends and family, with that much debt from my student loans, that I would have my masters by now, perhaps even my doctorate, teaching on a college campus, or maybe the English department head at some large high school.  But no.  What I’m doing with my college degree these days is this….

 …sorting Legos by color.  All of that time and effort in Shakespeare 201 and 202, all of those papers, all of those hours studying at a Waffle House drinking pot after pot of coffee, all of those thousands of dollars, and I sit on my son’s bedroom floor and sort his Lego collection by color.

Oh, some days I change it up.  I sort the laundry by color.  Some days I have a creative bent and go a totally different direction by dusting the ceiling fan blades.  Other days I may play Toy Story Yahtzee four times in a row.  Some days I may do as little as possible and read a novel while my kids play the Wii.  Once in a while I really get crazy and clean up dog vomit.  Oh yeah…that embossed, gold-leafed piece of paper called a diploma is really coming in handy for all of that stuff.

Yet, you know what?  I am happy.  Not that I want to sort Legos everyday of my life, but it was okay because I was helping my son.  I’ve done so much laundry now that it’s just routine.  I actually really like Toy Story Yahtzee…there’s nothing like rolling four Buzzes on your first turn.  And I think every once in a while it’s fine to have some me-time while my kids are occupied.  Hey…and they even sweat when they play the Wii!  Well, it’s never fun to clean up dog vomit.  That never makes me happy, but I’m still glad I have a dog.  I don’t think I’d be nearly so content and satisfied with other accolades and positions and professional opportunities.

Well, a paycheck might be nice.

Have some Flashback-ish thoughts for us today?  Sign up with a link to your post below and we’ll all swing by to touch base with you.  Well, at least I will!

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Posted by 4sweetums

I am so glad to be home too. Not sure my college degree is used that often, but hey it is fun to have.
Blessings,
Dawn

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Posted by proverbsmomof3

just as valuable as any diploma in my book. In 1994, I was having my second kid. When the kids are grown you will still have your degree and tons of experience at all grade levels. It will be easy to find a job. LOL

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Posted by sadie423

SO do those legos actually stay color coordinated?? We have a shelf like that and I tried to sort out different types of cars but it didn't stay.

I wouldn't trade where I am for anything either....10 years ago I was an undergraduate with a premed major....my how things change

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Posted by Anonymous

Once again, your post brought a smile to my day. I went to community college for a few years, but never got my degree. And the reason was because even amidst the frowns and discouraging remarks I received by my fellow pupils when asked what I was 'going for', I always desired to have a family more than a career (never believing that it was possible to do BOTH really well). And I longed for children who I actually could spend time with, and raise to be strong men and women of God. The first half of my dream has come true, with getting married last year to the greatest guy on Earth, and now I'm just waiting on the Lord for the blessing of children! :) It's a good & honorable life, and I say GOOD CHOICE (dog puke and all!).

Jess
www.we2r1preston.blogspot.com

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Posted by teachingmisssmartypants

That's identical to what I'm doing with my middle/secondary social studies degree - sortin' stuff.

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Posted by twistedsisterinChrist

I finished the school room. Thought you might want to continue your job of sorting over at my place. Sorry, couldn't resist! Sorting by Legos by color! Your glutten for punishment - self imposed. No, really, I admire your tenacity to get it all done so nicely. My boys really want you to come over.

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Posted by MayTheyBeMightyMen

This is SO my life! I have the same degree. (Different school...not as cum laud cool as you.) ;') And, I have similar skill set being utilized. . .at all? *lol*

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Posted by naturalpaths

I have an award for you - http://a-skip-in-my-step.blogspot.com/2008/08/sharing-love-award.html

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