Accomplishment in the Eye of Society

For whatever reason, social convention has often led me to question my accomplishments. For example, I did not attend my 10-year reunion (mostly because I still talk to the people I want in my life...so why bother?) and I am very glad I didn't because I feel like the things I have accomplished since high school are insignificant. For those of you not acquainted with the author of this blog....in the past ten years I have gotten a Bachelor of Arts degree,a Bachelor of Education degree, and a Master of Education degree. I also spent 5 years developing my career and reputation as a teacher and started a cakey-type business. I know these are accomplishments and good ones at that. BUT! Somehow society has led me to belive those accomplishments are insignificant because I am not married, having children, or in any way attached to others in any other union other than friendship.

After explaining all that...I thoroughly enjoyed a moment this weekend where I ran into people I used to go to school with, both of which who are married, one has a child and another on the way, and neither is currently teaching. After standing there chatting and catching up while the aforementioned child ran wildly about....for once! I finally felt like I had the upper hand in the world of accomplishments. These former classmates were incredulous of the things I had done since we saw each other last.

So! While I am still single and feeling moderately inadequate in the realm of expected social accomplishments of your average 28 (almost 29) year-old....I take great pleasure in this small triumph of feeling like I've done something worthwhile in the past 10 years! Huzzah!!