It took me 11 years

Yes, 11 years and I finally am graduating with my associate's degree. 11 years to earn a **2 YEAR** degree.<br><br>Why it took me so long when you're young and full energy in college is beyond me. I didn't know how to use time, until I realized I didn't have that many years left on this earth. So I quit wasting time, and my shit together.<br><br>I'm a single mom of 2 kids. I have an older kid, that will graduate high school in a year, and a 2 year old that can't stop talking about cars.<br><br>I work a full time job ontop of being dependent on student loans, and I'm in an awful marriage that is pending divorce in the next few years.<br><br>In the midst of all that, I got my shit together, buckled down, and grinded through 11 years.<br><br>TODAY I'M GOING TO WALK ACROSS THAT STAGE AND CELEBRATE, AND DANCE, AND SMILE, AND KNOW I'M NOT A FAILURE.<br><br>I just wanted to share, and I hope this inspires someone else to not give up. Even when everything else fails, there is still hope that one day it will be okay.<br><br>EDIT: Thank you all for the kind replies. I have to go get ready for the ceremony but thank you all so much again!