Tessie D

I went to town today and picked up an application for college. I’m going to apply and major in English. It’s too late to start for the fall but I can get ready to go in the Spring. Besides, it’ll give me time to get everything set up. I’m thinking that I’ll take just a few classes so that I don’t get overwhelmed and flunk out.

I talked someone in the financial aid office, and she said that I could apply for grants and scholarships to cover my tuition and books since I had a baby. 

 I found a Mother’s Day out at the Baptist church on Tuesdays and another at Methodist church on Thursdays. They’re cheaper than daycare, and I think with my financial aid that I can cover the $25/day. I won’t be able to do anything else at school like join any clubs or anything because I’ll have to leave right after class, but I don’t care. I’m not sure what I’ll do about food and textbooks, but I can figure it out.

I also stopped by the library and picked up some books. I’m going to start checking out two books at a time, one that’s something an English major should read and one that I’d just want to read for fun. They also have some audiobooks on CDs. I got one of those, too, so that I can listen in the truck when I’m driving back and forth to town. The librarian recommended a children’s book, Harry Potter, that she says is the best way to start listening to books like that. I told her that I’m not much into that sort of thing—wizards and witches and all that. She looked over at baby and told me to trust her. I’m gonna like this one. 

When I got home, I was so happy that I couldn’t keep it all in. As soon as I came up the driveway, I saw Daddy. I jumped out of the truck and threw my arms around his neck. Daddy looked surprised when I did it, but I couldn’t help myself. I was so happy with the anticipation of going back to school. I keep imagining sitting in classes with other students, taking notes, and buying books. The thought of it makes me giddy. I felt like I was drowning for so long, the water’s surface so far above my head, but suddenly I’m breathing again for the first time in over a year.