I was one of those kids in high school that made good grades without ever really trying. I was never really interested in being there though. But, I went and at the first moment possible, I graduated early. It just wasn’t my thing, I was more interested in the party scene at the time than making a future for myself. Right out of high school I went to college, majoring in Business Marketing and Management. I quickly found out that it took a little more studying time than I was used to. Then, my Dad got sick and I dropped out to help with his care, only liking about a year to get my degree. I wasn’t really appreciative of my time at college though. I was really only there because it was what I thought I was supposed to do. After my Dad had a liver transplant and was on the mend, I decided to go back to college. I was at a different place in my life by that time and took things a little more seriously. But, I didn’t go finish my degree. Instead I chose to go a totally different route and went to school to become an EMT. While I loved my job as a medic it is a very strenuous career. It is hard mentally, physically and emotionally. There came a time when I just knew that my time as a medic was over.

Every since, I have thought about going back to school. Getting a degree, or just taking some classes that interested me. Why? Well, something I have learned about myself is that I love learning. When my friend Beth started college last year I was a little envious…but why the heck can’t I go myself? There is no good reason! And what better time to make that decision than the start of this New Year? I can’t think of one. This is the time of year that we all start reflecting on how to make improvements to ourselves. We re-assess our goals and strive a little harder. We make resolutions such as going back to school, getting a better job, learning a new skill, taking a class, or picking up a hobby. I have tried hobbies. I am just not good at them. As a matter of fact, I have been told by different people on different occasions to give thoughts of sewing, crocheting, kitting, etc up.

So, I am researching going back to college. Online. Because really, if I had to actually get up and get ready in the morning, it wouldn’t happen. But, I can happily sit in the comfort of my home, in my pajamas and go to school. Check out Ivy Bridge College.  Ivy Bridge College (IBC) is committed to Moms, 50% of their students are Mothers as a matter of fact.

· IBC offers flexibility and convenience with the ability for Moms to earn their degree while they continue to work or while they stay at home to raise their children.

· IBC offers support services including a free online private community dedicated to students who are Moms where they can connect with and support other student Moms.

· Some of the other great support services IBC offers are:

○ Dedicated weekly success coaching which includes career planning, resumé writing and interviewing skills

○ Free tutoring

○ Personalized academic advising and guided pathways to earning an accredited college degree

○ Ability to earn a college degree in as little as 17 months IBC is designed for students to earn their associate’s degree and then seamlessly transfer to over 150 “name brand” partner schools, including Arizona State University, the University of Maryland, Pace University, Pepperdine University, Rutgers University, George Mason University, among others.

· After earning an associate’s degree many students choose to pursue a 4-year degree, but transferring from other two-year schools can be a very complicated process. Students often waste credits, time and money on courses that ultimately won’t transfer. Ivy Bridge College solves this problem by establishing clearly articulated transfer agreements with each of their partner schools to eliminate this headache. They have mapped out success paths so their students aren’t wasting time or money. To see all of IBC’s partner schools, click here: http://ivybridge.tiffin.edu/transfer-programs/partneruniversities

· IBC costs less than 1/3 of what it costs to attend other private schools (as per the College Board)

· People who hold an associate’s degree on average earn 20% more and those with a bachelor’s earn 65% more than those with only a high school diploma. And I think we are all going to need hope at a higher income very soon.

So, to help one lucky reader attain their goal of a higher education, and to help off-set some of the cost associated with achieving that goal, Ivy Bridge would like to offer a $1,000 tuition discount for one of you!!!

“To be eligible for the $1,000 discount off tuition at Ivy Bridge College (IBC), the qualifying individuals will need to be degree seeking, enrolled in IBC a minimum of part-time, and new to IBC (specifically, not someone who has already applied to, enrolled in, or requested information from IBC). Classes at Ivy Bridge College Extension are not eligible for the discount. Limit one per person.The tuition discount is valid through September 1, 2013.

To Enter to win a $1,000 tuition discount leave a comment stating what you would like to study if you went back to school.

All entries must be received by January 22, 2012

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Ivy Bridge College. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating and a discount on classes at Ivy Bridge College.”