Although lying under the surgical knife 17 times in the last 18 years could have slowed me down I have rebounded with twice as much determination. At age 38 I found myself feeling quite unfulfilled in my job and decided it was time for a change. As my child reached school age a flicker of inspiration started to stir within the depths of my gut, exposing a dynamic force that eventually overwhelmed me completely. All that I was, all that I knew was no longer of any consequence; everything needed to change. I quit my financially secure job and moved from a three-bedroom house into an apartment. I volunteered for a year as a tutor and teacher’s assistant for elementary children. I went to help as a teacher; ironically I became the student.

Starting college when my daughter started first grade, I felt driven to be one component in making a difference. I have finished 2 years with a 3.75 GPA, as well giving back to the college by working 20 hours a week on campus. I have been selected to speak to the faculty as an exceptional student about my educational journey, and have acquired Honors in Writing and Behavioral Science classes. I am currently in the Honors Program and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa, while first and foremost raising my daughter to trust and believe that education is the door to personal success.