The Blessing of a College Degree

Ever since I was a little girl my mom has drilled it into me to go to college and get my degree. She always told me that I was smart, determined, and I could do it! I received this message from everyone in my family. When I was in elementary school I decided I wanted to either be a veterinarian or a teacher. During high school I thought perhaps I would teach high school English.

When I was a senior, I took a class called "The School-Aged Child". This class took me into a 1st grade classroom 3 days a week for an hour each time. I loved it so much I took the class independent study the following semester. I was able to spend 2 periods a day, 5 days a week in the same classroom, which equated to an entire year with those 1st graders. I knew within my first week that I could never do anything else.

I applied for college at UNI, which I had heard was THE teaching college in Iowa. I ended up staying home and attending DMACC for a few years, mainly in order to save my relationship with my boyfriend. I am not ashamed of this, because every choice I have taken has led me to where I am today. If it wasn't for our breakup, my friends would never have dragged me to Ames to "take care of me". I ended up attending Iowa State University, and meeting and marrying the man of my dreams.

I am not going to say that getting my degree wasn't a bumpy road.. I had 2 babies, one of which I was on bedrest for 2 months, in the hospital for 3 weeks, and kept him in the NICU for 8.5 weeks. This weekend, with the support of my family, friends, and incredible staff at ISU, I walked away with my degree in Elementary Education. I am the first person in my dad's family to have a college degree, the second teacher in my mom's family, and can help show my siblings and children that persistance, while difficult, DOES pay off!

Thank you to EVERYONE for all of your help and support.. I know this is cheesy, but I dedicate my college degree to: God, for my strength and faith.. My parents, grandparents, siblings, my wonderful husband, Nate, my two beautiful sons, William and Owen, My friends who have stuck with me since, well, forever.. Clifton, Josh, and AJ, and the rest of you crazy Urbandalians, My pals in the program: B.ZO, Nancy, Ehley, Beth, Pat, and so many more, and the wonderful staff of ISU, who helped me through all of my challenges and helped me to fulfill my dream. I love you all!! I did it! :) :) :)