I earned my Bachelor of Science degree on the 20 year plan. I took my first college course at 20 and finally graduated at 40. When I graduated high school my options were limited to getting married or going to work. The year was 1960. Following cultural norms, I got married and then I went to work.

I had interruptions along the way. I am the mother of four. I divorced and remarried. I worked full time most of the years my children were growing up. The biggest hurdle of all, however, was finding money for tuition and books. Finally, I took a job at the local University in order to take advantage of a free tuition benefit. Employees were permitted to take two courses each semester at no cost. My schedule was such that I took one course at a time.

When I had the opportunity, I went fall, spring and summer semesters. I took classes at night or on weekends. I took a required economics class during my lunch hour one semester. I took College Level Examination Tests and I was able to earn four English credits through testing.

I sought out used books that didn't have too much highlighter in them. Too much highlighting distracted from the reading. After supper, the kitchen table morphed into homework central. We all worked separately but together.

Math was the hardest subject for me to get through. With the exception of statistics I struggled with every math course that was required. To be honest I struggled with statistics too. I liked probability theory probably because I thought the probability of my earning a degree was slim to none. My new (at the time) husband was our math tutor. He holds an engineering degree but he usually brought home work from the office. He helped me with finite math and algebra and my youngest daughter with calculus. Had calculus been one of my degree requirements I'd still be short three semester hours.

My proud moment came as I walked across the stage to receive my diploma. I heard my youngest son yell from the back of the auditorium "Way to go Mom!" even though the audience had been asked to stay quiet. He stopped me in my tracks and the crowd chuckled.

Since that time my kids have grown up and made their own place in the world. One daughter is a self educated computer whiz, oldest son is a licensed plumber, youngest son is an attorney, and the youngest daughter earned a doctorate from Purdue University.

My message is simple. Persevere. Don't give up. Keep working toward your personal goal or dreams. You can make it happen but nobody can do it for you.

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