This is one story from Huff/Post50's new series "This Will Be Our Year: 15 Women Over 50 Shaking Things Up In 2015." We'll be following 15 remarkable ladies throughout the year as they make a radical change in their lives, whether it's embarking on a 500-mile hike, starting a new career or attempting to find love on the Internet.
Mary Skinner became a first-time Mom last winter and is switching careers to become a lawyer.
"Since we last spoke, I graduated law school and took the California Bar Exam. Up to the first week July, I was also the baby’s primary caregiver. Believe me, taking care of an infant is not conducive to studying! When I wasn’t taking care of the baby I was studying for the bar. I studied when he slept, which until late June involved him sleeping on me. Quite a trick to read notes and not wake up a sleeping baby! I studied late into the night and when my spouse was available to care for him, which generally was on the weekends and two mornings during the work week. It was an extreme challenge.
"My schedule was set for me. My finals, graduation, and bar exam dates were all set in stone so I had to stay on a study schedule. Sort of a study schedule. As I said, studying and caring for the baby at the same time was my biggest challenge. At times, it was overwhelming. Since we are basically a single-income family, hiring a nanny did not seem possible. We eventually decided that it was necessary because I could not maintain the schedule I was keeping. So we hired a nanny in mid-June. Sadly it didn’t work out. At the end of June, we finally found someone who was a good fit! A lifesaver. Although we have her part-time, it was enough to assist me in getting back on track with my studies.
"And the other good news I took the bar exam the last week of July. At the end of every day (it lasted three days), I felt mentally defeated. But, I regrouped and kept going because I have spent the past four years preparing for this exam. The last hour of the last day was the most difficult. Focusing every day so intensely is a tremendous brain drain. I stuck with my mantra: “Do your best, forget the rest.”
"Now I am playing the waiting game. It will be close as to whether I passed or not. Results for the exam are not released until November. Of course, I may go insane waiting! What if I don’t pass? I’ll fondly channel JFK, Jr. It took him three times to pass the bar! I’ll be in good company."
Mary Skinner at her law school graduation, with spouse Janeen and son Salo.
Mary Skinner with her infant son, Salo.