Select Page

Empty Nest…SIGH

by Apr 7, 2023

I decided to attend NUHS when my kids were older. Which meant I was older!…LOL! As I am finishing up my second year in the AOM program, my daughter is completing her second year of college, and my son his senior year of high school. I am grateful that he decided to attend the same university as his sister which makes things a bit easier, especially move-in day. My kids attended two different high schools so this will be a reprieve…hopefully. I must admit I am getting somewhat emotional and for a lack of a better word sappy. My plan is to fully be present this summer in their lives and plan a few trips before they leave for college.

Zen 2

It is at times difficult being present while in school or working. As parents we try to provide a better life for our children, but it is the very thing that keeps us from spending as much time with them as we would like. In the summer I will be in Tri 6, which is the halfway mark. Yet a chapter of my life is ending. I mean can I study without chaos? Can I take an exam without a kid popping into my room with an “emergency”? It is difficult to imagine the fall trimester with a quiet home. I didn’t think I would be in school during this phase of my life. I thought I would be close to retiring in the field of education. I got my massage therapy license to fulfill me during my retirement years. Yet as I was seeing various clients, I wanted to offer different ways to help them heal.

What life changes are you all experiencing? Maybe it is taking care of an elderly or ill family member? Or welcoming a new baby? Whatever it is, I am sure through it all you will have the grace and determination to complete your degree at NUHS while being present for friends and family. Let’s remember to hold space for one another as Maya Angelou so eloquently stated, “It takes courage to be kind.” Life doesn’t stop while we are attaining our dreams, and a kind word can help us maneuver through the ebbs and flows of life.

Read more about how other busy parents and partners cope through the rigors of medical school at 4 Tips from Student Moms for Balancing Grad School and Kids.

{{cta(’85c6fa70-0834-4e22-8934-8e0b3441f4c8′)}}

Follow NUHS on Social Media

About the Author

Monique Carter

Monique Carter

My name is Monique Carter and I am currently in my 4th trimester of National University's AOM program. I chose this program because the basic tenets of Chinese Acupuncture and Herbs align with a holistic healing process that is steeped in years of tradition and research. I anticipate that learning these skills and applying this knowledge will allow me to help many in need. Starting this journey at the age of 49 has been humbling as well as life-changing, I am excited and grateful!

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Success and Fear

Success and Fear

As the trimester draws to a close, I am exhausted. I have tried in every way to be positive and productive throughout the Tri, yet here I am drinking the “devil’s brew (coffee)” with reckless abandonment! But there was a flash of success in the clinic which brought me...

read more
Research: Evidence-Based Practice

Research: Evidence-Based Practice

Hey, we are at week 11! Can you believe it some are approaching graduation and the rest of us are welcoming a reprieve from the rigors of studying. I am currently in an Evidence-Based Practice class and it has me thinking will I ever become a researcher? As I am...

read more
From Intern to PRACTITIONER!!!

From Intern to PRACTITIONER!!!

As we are halfway through the trimester some of us are graduating in April. In the Intern room in the clinic there is a buzz in the air of relief, nervousness and excitement. Although I have a little over a year left, I am emotional for them. Once we are done with the...

read more

Defining the future of integrated health care.