<p>We are going through something similar at our house. I encouraged our kids to go away to college during the earlier stages of their parent’s disease, which is what I knew my spouse wanted. It sounds as if your family was supportive of your education as well, since you were in school for the last two years during your Dad’s illness. Having been in the shoes of a parent putting children first, I can attest that MaFool speaks the truth.</p>
<p>Since you got your degree, I view the current situation differently. You’re talking about exploring a new career degree program. It seems that you could do this at any time. A leave for a dying parent will not prejudice the rest of your life. A semester is only 4 months. Getting additional reference letters or even taking a semester off from school is a minor inconvenience in the scheme of things. There isn’t a professor in the world who would hold it against you that you needed to help your family during your Dad’s terminal illness. I presume that you’re not a child/teenager any longer, and that you’re able to assume adult responsiblities.</p>
<p>IMO, as harsh as it may sound, the final weeks of a parent’s illness and the needs of your family shouldn’t be a part-time commitment that you schedule around trial classes. Frankly, I’d be a little hurt if my Mom and sibling said that they didn’t need me around much at this time.</p>