Last week I wrapped up my first semester of grad school at Bowling Green State University. I am enrolled in a Master’s of English program which I am completing 100% online. Last summer, I eased into the program with two short courses. I took two 18 week courses over the fall semester: Linguistics and Critical Literary Theory.

A couple of thoughts from this BGSU Falcon:

1. Does loving Linguistics make me a nerd?

The highlight of my fall semester was the graduate level Linguistics course I took. It was extremely challenging, but rewarding in so many ways. For one, I learned basic interpretations of several languages. Through analysis of words and language I developed theories for analysis. I learned not only how language is determined and created but I analyzed words at the morpheme and phoneme levels. Some assignments stretched me so much I thought I might snap, but every challenge taught me something worthwhile. My favorite assignment was toward the end of the semester and it was an analysis of animal communication and what it tells us about human linguistics. We watched videos of apes and parrots and it was a lot of fun.

2. My thesis is taking shape.

As part of my Masters of English program, I am required to turn in a thesis portfolio at the end. The Literary Criticism course this semester concluded with an analysis paper that will likely evolve to my final thesis for the program. In this analysis, I used four critical theory lenses to analyze The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. This is a phenomenal book and I analyzed it using trauma, feminist, ecocentric, and Marxist theories. This led me to studies on Appalachian poverty and education and I believe that this will be paramount to my final thesis when I conclude my Master’s program.

3.Time Management is CRUCIAL.

This fall I was working through teaching during a Pandemic. When I signed up last year for graduate courses I knew my program would be online intensive. What I didn’t budget for was the ways in which my job as a teacher would be affected by Covid-19. The early parts of the semester were rough for me because I was navigating pandemic teaching and learning the expectations of grad school right along with it.

I communicated with friends and family so that my schedule was clear to them up front. I established ONE day a week to stay late at work to work on grad assignments since being at home with kiddos is not the ideal place to conduct intense reading and writing. I worked with important people in my life to honor the schedule I created for myself. It was a constant balancing act, but setting boundaries and scheduling weekly work time is what helped me get through the courses.

4. This will all be worth it.

Being an adult, teacher, wife, mother, and writer all while trying to complete a Master’s degree is tough. I have learned to say “no” to social events and gatherings that compete for my time and attention. In the end, I’ve had to prioritize my education and the process of earning this degree. When I have the credentials and the pay raise that accompany it I will look back on these years of study and know that every “no” was worth it.

Now that the semester is over I am reflecting on the experience and I do believe that I got a lot out of these courses. I was absolutely challenged and made better as a writer and student. I haven’t been the one on the submitting end of online education before so there was a learning curve, but I am proud of my efforts and products this semester. I feel blessed to have this opportunity to grow in my English skills and to pursue higher education.

The Ameri Brit Mom

2020 hit us all differently.

I think we can all agree, though, that this has not been the year we anticipated when we crafted our goals and intentions last holiday season. I could rant about all the things I missed out on this year or all the ways in which 2020 killed my vibe, but instead I think I’d like to catch you up, Muse, on all of the good that came out of this unique experience.

1. ONE—My oldest daughter (ONE) is now eight years old and in second grade. She has done a fantastic job adjusting to pandemic learning. She has also begun competitive gymnastics which looks much different than normal, but is a lot of work nonetheless.

2. TWO—My youngest daughter (TWO) is now two years old. She is full of personality and sass. She is talkative and obsessed with the moon.

3. TEACHING DURING PANDEMIC– This school year has been interesting. I’ve taught fully online, hybrid, and in person. Currently I am a hybrid teacher, but that is always subject to change. I’m learning to be flexible, teaching with a mask on and taking it one day at a time.

4. GRADUATE STUDIES– In May, I began a graduate program at Bowling Green State University. I am seeking a Masters of English and I plan to conclude my program by this time next year. I’ve (mostly) enjoyed my courses. They are challenging me in my writing skills and goals and helping me to reach some of my long term goals.

5. NEW HOBBIES–To make it through the quarantine and Covid restrictions I took up some new hobbies. In April I bought a bike and we began taking family adventure rides. We also really enjoyed hiking and just about anything involving the outdoors. I also began urban sketching/painting. I love playing with my new water color set and taking it out with me to capture beautiful images. Another new hobby for me is WINE. I’ve always (kind of) been a wine drinker, but wineries have been an ideal, outdoor social options during a time when so many other date destinations are off limits.

6. TRAVEL–We were itching to get out of the house this summer and so we took several family trips to Gatlinburg, TN; Myrtle Beach, SC; and Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH. All of these trips were beautiful and full of lifelong memories.

7. NEW NIECE AND NEPHEW– In January, my nephew was born in Yeovil, England. He is so adorable and I cannot wait to snuggle him and spoil him once England is open for travel. In April, my third niece was born and we are smitten.

8. INVISALIGN–For as long as I can remember I have stuggled with confidence in my smile and crooked teeth. I finally decided in 2019 that I would correct this issue and I began a LONG Invisalign process. I finished this summer and I feel so much better about showing my teeth when I grin.

9. SISTER’S WEDDING–In October, my youngest sister got married. It was a small, but fun ceremony amongst the beautiful fall foilage in Hocking Hills, Ohio. As a family, we stayed for a weekend on the premises in cabins and enjoyed several days together with those closest to us.

10. THIRTY–I turned 30 this summer. There were no big parties or typical get togethers, instead my husband and I enjoyed coffee, kayaking, and some time just the two of us. I wasn’t sure how I would feel as a 30-something, but to be honest I feel great. My life is a beautiful collage of the things I love most and I spent most of my 20s making this happen. I’ll be forever grateful for that decade, but I am ready for this new adventure.

So the year wasn’t all bad. I have grown as an individual and had time to cultivate new skills and passions. I can’t possibly fill you in on all you missed, Muse, but I thought I’d give you a snapshot of the best things about 2020.

What positive experiences are you taking with you into 2021?

The Ameri Brit Mom

Hello, Muse–it’s been a while. 

For almost two years I’ve retired these pages producing no new content and reevaluating my identity as a writer. I’m still here. In fact, I never left. I faded into the background for a while, but I never went away. 

I stepped back to focus on personal projects, motherhood, and teaching. If I’m honest, writing has not been a priority. I finished my first novel, queried for a little while, and then gave up before really putting up a fight. A couple of rejections and I felt defeated and unqualified to join the race to publish. Lately, the nagging of those finished pages have been impossible to ignore. The muse within me is urging me back into the ring to continue the pursuit of my dream of being published. 

I’m here on the ledge of 2020 staring into a future of unknowns just like everyone else. I see the fog before us and the burning dumpster of a year behind us. In the flames I see the broken promises to myself and the sense of purpose that I let fade so I could hold myself and my family together in the strangest year the world has seen this century. 

It has gone on long enough. 

As I look into the fog I can see a year of fulfillment. Life on the other side of 2021 is full of promise and no regrets. It’s going to be a wild ride. Will you join me, Muse?

I guess I could call you my readers or friends, but right now you are so much more. Like a writer’s muse, you are the unnamed voices that bring me back to the pages and words that live within me. You are my inspiration and creativity. So if you don’t mind, I will be calling you what you are–my Muse. 

I am excited to start over on this journey. 

I have so much to tell you, Muse. There are so many places to take you and dreams to explore. Won’t you come along with me? 

The Ameri Brit Mom looks a little different now. It’s been two years so it’s time to rebrand. I’m still the mom who dreams of being an author, but I’m also so much more than that. I am the wife of a British man who has taught me what love, support, and simplicity look like. I am the mother of two beautiful girls whose hearts and emotions are larger than life. I am a teacher, a daughter, a disciple, a writer, a creative, and a friend. In this new year that lies before us I plan to show you all these views of myself. I plan to take you with me, Muse, so that you can help me to be the simple, transatlantic writer that I strive to be. 

So whether you are new here or have been waiting two years for another entry I am thankful for who you are and the time you’ve taken to join me, Muse. May we embark on this journey together of mutual growth and chasing after our dreams. Life is beautiful and good and we will come out on the other side of 2021 with an even bigger appreciation for our gifts. 

The Ameri Brit Mom