4 years becomes 3.

I think I've finally decided that I am going to finish my Masters in Social Work in 3 years instead of 4, by doing the last year full-time. As a part-time student, I only take 2 classes per semester (at night) which is pretty manageable (even though I have NO free time in between school work and my 2 jobs - blech).  I called the School of Social Work and got the details.  

Fall 2010:

• Psychopathology (probably the hardest class on the curriculum, from what I hear)
• Advanced Evaluation (Social Work Research, part deux - ugh)
• Concentration Course (My concentration is Children and Families, so I would take Advanced Theory and Practice with Children & Adolescents)
• 1 Elective (Child Welfare?)
• Field Seminar (the class the goes along with my 2nd Field Internship)

Spring 2010:

• Administration and Supervision
• Concentration Course
  
• Elective (Social Work Practice with Vulnerable Children & Families)
• Elective (Issues in Immigration & Social Work, Case Management or ????)
• Field Seminar (the class the goes along with my 2nd Field Internship)

Now, 5 classes a semester, plus 20 hrs/week of field work and one of my part-time jobs is TOTALLY not doable. I won't even go there. I am not superwoman nor do I choose to be. So, I asked if I could take 2 of the electives next Summer, which drop down the courses to 4/semester (and Field Seminar isn't a full-blown course), so that is really 3 serious classes a semester - not 5! 

I think (no, I PRAY) that I can handle all of the above that. It will be the most difficult 9 months of my life thus far, but it's only 9 months (with Winter break in the middle)!! I think I can do that. I think I can. I think I can...

That way, Todd and I can begin our family and I will be able to be a mother (should things work out that way) the last year of his schooling here. And should things work in my favor, I will be able to keep the job I do from home, which would work well being a new mother (although I know working period is going to be tough, esp. when your spouse is doing his clinical rounds full-time and then some).

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In other news, Todd and I joined Weight Watchers this morning. I've come to a point in my life that I need structure and support, as my will-power has hit the fan. I've put back on the 20 pounds I lost before the wedding (big surprise!) and I'm just sick of not liking what I see when I look in the mirror. I need to get off here and get to work, so I won't bore you with the details. Wish us luck!