I often get the question, "Why did you go to graduate school? Don't you want to take a break from school?" My answer is usually the same. I chose graduate school because I want to. I chose graduate school because I wanted to deepen my understanding of a new idea. I chose graduate school because if I waited, I wouldn't have come back.

I usually get the same big-eyes stare of confusion.

I am a graduate student in a special education program at Longwood University. I studied elementary education as an undergraduate student, and I absolutely loved it. I found myself wanting to know more and wanting to learn something applicable, but different.

I have always had a passion for teaching, and as a teacher, we stress to our students the concept of having a growth mindset. Going to school is my way of proving to myself and my students that a growth mindset is something that you can accomplish no matter how "burnt out" you are.

College students often talk about how "burnt out" they are by their senior year. I understand that feeling, and I can relate on every level. The problem is that people often use this as a way to give up. They close their mind to other options and they quit. That is fine if that is what you want to do, but don't forget about the other options.

There are many graduate and masters program out there. My program is one that I knew I wanted to be a part of since my freshman year. I worked hard to get to this point, and I will not give up until I feel like I have accomplished my goal.

Having a growth mindset means being open to learning and wanting to learn and grow. That is what graduate school has done for me.

If you are thinking about graduate school, but you're feeling "burnt out," think about how hard it will be to go back. Once you have gotten your job and gotten comfortable, you're not going to want to go back to school.

I encourage everyone to push their limits, try new things, and always be open to learning and growing.