Hi! Justin Woehrle here. I’m excited to launch this blog and connect with all of you!
Let me tell you a little bit about myself. First things first, I’m a 43-year-old single dad wrangling three amazing kiddos: a teenager on the cusp of high school at 13, a pre-teen with boundless energy at 12, and a curious and imaginative 9-year-old. Being a single dad is definitely an adventure, and keeping up with those three keeps me on my toes!
Work and Family
Now, when I’m not knee-deep in Legos or chauffeuring kids around, you can find me at my full-time job at a large electric utility company. I’ve been there for 16 years now, and for the past few years, I’ve been the Manager of Electric Distribution Construction and Operations.
Let me tell you, this job is demanding – it keeps my mind sharp, and my schedule packed. From overseeing construction projects to ensuring smooth daily operations, it’s a role with a lot of responsibility
Back to School
Now, on top of the whole dad and full-time-employee thing, I’ve recently decided to jump back into the world of academia! That’s right, I’m a part-time student at the University of Mary Washington, working towards a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree with a major in Leadership and Management (BLS-Leadership and Management, for short).
The BLS program is a great fit for me because it fits in perfectly with my career path. The program is now entirely online and makes continuing my education much easier. There is flexibility, focus on adult learners, and specific course offerings related to the field of leadership and management. And let me tell you, being a part-time student at 43 is a whole different experience than my college days! The time management skills I’ve honed as a professional and single dad are definitely coming in handy.
Free Time
When I manage to carve out a precious chunk of “me” time, here’s where you’ll likely find me:
I love a good adventure. Whether it’s a challenging hike, a peaceful camping trip under a star-studded sky, or hitting the road on my motorcycle – nature is my happy place.
Sometimes, I unwind by listening to music or strumming some tunes on my guitar. It’s a great way to de-stress, unleash my creativity, and maybe even belt out a song or two. Other times, I find satisfaction in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes and flavors. Seeing the smiles on my kids’ faces when they dig into a homemade dinner is pure satisfaction. I also love projects. I enjoy tinkering and tackling challenges head-on, from basic repairs around the house to more ambitious DIY projects.
The Struggle is Real
There’s no doubt about it, juggling work, family, and school is a challenge. But I’m a firm believer in lifelong learning, and I’m determined to make it work. Through this blog, I’ll be sharing the highs and lows of being a part-time student – the late-night study sessions fueled by coffee, the satisfaction of mastering a new concept, and the inevitable moments of feeling overwhelmed.
But hey, maybe my experiences can help other non-traditional students out there. Whether you’re a parent going back to school, a working professional looking to upskill, or anyone else on a lifelong learning journey, I’m here to share the ride!
So, buckle up and join me for the ride! I’m looking forward to connecting with you all and learning from each other. Feel free to leave comments, ask questions, or just say hello!
Here’s to the adventure!
P.S. What are you passionate about? Leave a comment below and tell me what keeps you busy and what you’re learning in life.
