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. It’s where I’ve been going to write these diary entries. This time, I also 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 about a boy finding out that he’s a wizard 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.