The History of Me

I am amazed at where I am in my life, when I consider the first 18 years.  School was not one of my favorite things to do, or should I say studying was not one of my favorite things to do.  I enjoyed the social part of school; however I didn't understand doing homework was part of the required activities.  I thought it was "optional."  I remember thinking to myself in 7th grade that I had 5 more years to go and I would never have to darken a door of a school.  Wow, was I ever wrong.

After high school, I had 3 attempts of pursuing a degree in college.  Unfortunately, the degree I was pursuing was a PHD in Partying.  I was an excellent student of this type of degree, although the colleges I attended didn't appreciate my research in the area.  My grade point was below a 2.0 and was asked to consider other opportunities outside of their college.

I got married to an incredible man, who I will be married to for 25 years on September 27, 2011.  He is the person I admire most in my life and his love for me is something I thank God for everyday.  In the 25 years of being married, we have lived in La Crosse, WI., Eugene, OR., Loveland, Co., Rhinelander, WI., Eagle River, WI., Marquette, MI., Bonduel, WI., Shawano, WI. and Kaukauna, WI.  No, we are not in the witness protection program.  My husband works for Wal-Mart and we have moved with his job.  My husband has a degenerative eye condition that over the years has worsen and he is legally blind.  He still works for Wal-Mart as a manager and the company has been very helpful over the years in getting him the extra help he needs. 

When we moved to Marquette, I decided that I needed to go back to college and earn my degree in something other than partying.  In the first two weeks in class, I was overwhelmed and thought about dropping out.  I persevered and over the next 2 1/2 years took 18-20 credits a semester, worked 30 hours a week and learned that I loved to learn.  I was awarded the "Outstanding Graduating Senior in the Public Relations Department" and have my name on a plaque on the walls of Northern Michigan University (NMU) with this honor. 

My professional life includes a lot of different jobs:  retail sales, clerical, encyclopedia sales (door-to-door), Service manager at a staffing agency, Associate Director of a Chamber of Commerce, Associate Director of Lakeland College, Center Director of Sylvan Learning Center and now I am employed at NWTC as the Strategic Partnerships manager.

My journey in obtaining my Masters degree was 13 years in the making.  After graduating at NMU, I desired to continue my education.  Unfortunately, life happened and 13 years later I was able to return.  I have truly enjoyed the process of earning my Masters and have grown professionally as well as personally through the experience.

I can't wait to see what is next in my educational journey.