I frequently write about my experience as a student online, at times I offer tips, tell stories, give advice, make observations and occasionally just ramble. One thing I have neglected to do in all of my posts is to discuss the other half of the equation to going to school online that of the role of my wife.
My wife has made a lot of sacrifices so that I can go to school online. Without her support I'm not sure that I would be able to have accomplished much. She frequently goes to bed alone while I study into the wee hours of the morning. She makes sure that I have something to eat when I get home in full knowing that if she doesn't make anything I'll likely just not eat if I'm too busy.
She does more than her fair share of the chores around the house and more often than not she does all of them. She keeps my nieces busy while I'm working on school work, she offers encouragement when I feel down, she's a cheerleader when I feel overwhelmed, she offers her opinions on my work when I ask (and sometimes even when I don't), she listens to me read papers out loud to her over subjects which couldn't interest her less, but she listens still.
She has been a huge support for me and has made getting my BS and my MBA possible and somehow it doesn't seem quite fair that at graduation we focus so much upon the graduate. So next time you watch a graduation ceremony, realize that those people walking across the stage in the robes and stupid looking hats are only half of the equation. Their efforts are only half the story behind the degree. When I hang my diploma on the wall, I'm not just looking at my accomplishment but instead I see the hundreds of sacrifices my wife has made as well. I see more than a simple diploma; instead I see something she and I have accomplished together.
If you are considering going back to school online and you have a spouse or significant other just remember, you are not the only one who will be putting in late nights and long days.