Having dropped out of college in the '60's, I always felt a certain lack in myself regarding education. I was a strong proponent of education for my children, served in various educational capacities, at different times, and in different ways, but inside I felt, to put it mildly, ashamed. I envied people with degrees, and yet it wasn't until I was not considered for a job (which I felt very adequate to handle) that I really got serious about doing something about that "lack" of a degree. There was also the pressure, and the example to consider. The pressure was, with my two oldest children both utilizing their degrees, that left only the youngest if I was to obtain mine before any of my children! The example was, my Mom! Shortly after I left Indiana in the Summer of '66, having flunked out after 4 "party hardy" semesters at Indiana University in Bloomington, my mother (while still raising 2 elementary aged children) decided to fulfill her lifelong dream, and started college as she approached 50 years of age! She went on to obtain her degree, plus a Masters Degree in Education, and continues today to serve as a wonderful role-model and example of not wasting the mind and talents that God has blessed each and every one of us with. In September of 1998 I returned to IU Southeast as a full-time student. I had a lot of ground to cover! Without the love and support of my daughter, my family, and some wonderful friends, this would not have been possible. In November of '98 I accepted a job (second shift - 4 to 12:30) as a geography clerk at the Census Bureau. For the first 2 semesters I went to school and worked full time. Last summer after a lay-off, I returned to work on the dayshift, and in the fall had to reduce my work hours to 34 a week in order to accommodate my school schedule. I am now closing in on obtaining my degree! Only a little more work and a few more credits. This page is intended to thank a few of the folks who have made this an enlightening and valuable experience. I also hope that it can serve as some small measure of inspiration to folks who have a "desire" or a "wish" that they too might finish some unfulfilled educational goal. It can happen! I know, it happened for me! Here is a link if you are into the details - the grade report!