Graduation on the Brain

I was contacted by financial aid at Drake last weekend about graduating early. No, they didn't tell me that I should stay until May so they could get more money out of me. Instead, they decided I should graduate early to save money and because I can meet all my requirements by December.

Easier said then done. I need to get into ONE course that fulfills 3 of the six criteria I need to graduate. In essence, this is the JACKPOT of classes because it means I can take research and a marriage and family course for fun, instead of sacrificing those to take other courses I need. Additionally, it is a course that I purchased all the books for 2 semesters ago because I was scheduled to take it and it was dropped last minute. Haha.

Anyway, I am now patiently waiting to hear back from the professor to see if she would be willing to let me in her class. I now there is a very slim chance she will let me in, but a girl can dream, can't she?

You may be asking why I am so eager to graduate early. Well, here is a pro/con list of graduating early:

Pros

• Much cheaper - I'll save about $5,000 in tuition alone
• I am able to work full time from January through August 2013, which helps me earn more cash. In addition to this, I can be more settled in my job before going back to part-time during graduate school when I start back in August.
• I am able to move back home in December, saving even more money on rent
• Moving to Bolivar, MO also means I can be closer to Matt (5 hours in Des Moines versus 45 minutes in Bolivar).
• Have more time to apply for graduate school because I won't be in school when I apply (the apps are due anywhere from January to March of 2013).
• It will give me an 8 month break from school before starting graduate school.

Cons

• I have already promised to babysit for Hailey and Abby in the spring, which would not be possible if I graduate early and live down in MO
• My on-campus job is year-round, so it would force my boss to find someone new for the second semester
• My position in SIFE will be up for grabs during the second semester, which is a HUGE bummer 
• I am leaving Eryn to find a new roomie or figure out a new living arrangement

If you are reading this, can I ask something from you? I am desperate and I have no idea what is in store for me. The one thing I do know is that I need to follow God's will for my life. In other words, graduating early may just be an attractive idea, but not practical in God's eyes. Can I ask for your prayer to ask for God's will in my life and in this decision? I desperately need it in this time of need. 

I hope you had a great Sunday and God bless. :)