I had been working as a receptionist in a physician's office for seven years when I finally decided to go back to school and get a college degree. I enjoyed my job; AdditionallyAlsoAnotherConsequentlyFirst of allFor exampleFor instanceFurthermorehoweverLikewiseNeverthelessNowthough[?], I needed to make more money. AdditionallyAlsoAnotherConsequentlyFirst of allFor exampleFor instanceFurthermorehoweverLikewiseNeverthelessNowthough[?], I needed a job that would give me the opportunity to advance. I am now in my last semester of college and will soon be receiving my nursing degree. Although going back to school has been difficult, the decision has had several positive effects on my life.
AdditionallyAlsoAnotherConsequentlyFirst of allFor exampleFor instanceFurthermorehoweverLikewiseNeverthelessNowthough[?], my self-confidence has increased. AdditionallyAlsoAnotherConsequentlyFirst of allFor exampleFor instanceFurthermorehoweverLikewiseNeverthelessNowthough[?], during my first semester at college, I was afraid to ask questions if I didn't understand something in class. I was afraid the other students (most of them much younger than I) would think I was stupid. AdditionallyAlsoAnotherConsequentlyFirst of allFor exampleFor instanceFurthermorehoweverLikewiseNeverthelessNowthough[?], I was reluctant to answer questions I was sure that I knew the answers to; I thought there might be a chance I was wrong. AdditionallyAlsoAnotherConsequentlyFirst of allFor exampleFor instanceFurthermorehoweverLikewiseNeverthelessNowthough[?] situation that filled me with anxiety was having to work in a group with my classmates. I rarely contributed anything to the group. I felt inferior; surely they knew more than I! AdditionallyAlsoAnotherConsequentlyFirst of allFor exampleFor instanceFurthermorehoweverLikewiseNeverthelessNowthough[?], though, I eagerly participate in class discussions and answer questions readily. I have learned that even if I am wrong, I can learn from my mistakes. AdditionallyAlsoAnotherConsequentlyFirst of allFor exampleFor instanceFurthermorehoweverLikewiseNeverthelessNowthough[?], instead of dreading group activities, now I am often the group leader or spokesperson.
Yet another positive effect is that I feel better about my financial future. AdditionallyAlsoAnotherConsequentlyFirst of allFor exampleFor instanceFurthermorehoweverLikewiseNeverthelessNowthough[?], when I was a receptionist, I was barely making ends meet and felt that I was able to provide only the bare essentials for my son and nothing more. If he wanted something extra, like a new pair of sneakers, I had to check my budget carefully to make sure we could afford them. AdditionallyAlsoAnotherConsequentlyFirst of allFor exampleFor instanceFurthermorehoweverLikewiseNeverthelessNowthough[?], paying for an unexpected expense such as a car repair or a higher-than-usual electric bill set me back considerably. With my degree, AdditionallyAlsoAnotherConsequentlyFirst of allFor exampleFor instanceFurthermorehoweverLikewiseNeverthelessNowthough[?], I know that I will be able to secure a job that pays me enough to live comfortably. AdditionallyAlsoAnotherConsequentlyFirst of allFor exampleFor instanceFurthermorehoweverLikewiseNeverthelessNowthough[?], I will be able to pay for an emergency and to cover my bills without worrying if they are higher than last month's.
Since returning to school, I have experienced my share of physical stress and financial difficulties. AdditionallyAlsoAnotherConsequentlyFirst of allFor exampleFor instanceFurthermorehoweverLikewiseNeverthelessNowthough[?], the rewards have been worth it. I have gained my confidence in myself. I also look forward to a much brighter future, one in which I won't have to think twice when my son asks me to buy him something extra once in a while.