As many of you know, I have returned to school and am pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree at Ferris State University. This program is possible in conjunction with Alpena Community College, where I obtained my Associates Degree in the Arts (with my son) in 2009. Trying to get my Bachelor’s is no easy feat for an “older” non-traditional student. The term non-traditional refers to the fact that I have been out of school and several years and have returned to the halls of academia.
I was recently honored, alongside fellow student Jessica High, a single mom who is doing a marvelous job of attending school and seeing to the needs of her son, by being named to the All Michigan Academic Team. This award was made possible by the nomination of my professors and ACC’s President, to the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA), Phi Theta Kappa (of which I am a member), and the Coca Cola Scholarship Foundation. The picture I have attached is from the awards dinner. I am the one on the far right wearing the hat and proudly displaying my medal.
All Michigan Academic Team Awards Dinner
Just had to crow a little on this one. I would strongly suggest that the young people who are contemplating taking time off from school (years) think twice about that as it is a challenge and exceedingly hard to return to school years later and get good results. Things change rapidly with time and what you knew or learned when you took the time off, may not be applicable or the norm when you return. If you have been out of school, it’s never too late to return. The rewards are many. My returning to school has inspired my brother, 13 years my junior, to return to get a degree that will allow him to get a better paying job in the company he works for. This will be a big boost for him as he has an autistic son. His wife returned to school and will be obtaining her Master’s Degree. I am the first in my family to receive a college degree, both of my children have degrees (son is working on his Bachelors and daughter just received her Masters) and to have my brother jump on board shows just how much influence the right choices and encouragement can make in the life of an individual.
Have a great day and thanks for allowing me to strut a little.
Terri at the Drake’s Nest where spring is finally here!
Notes from Drake's Nest Studios 
Congratulations Terri!!!!! Just keep on strutting!
Thanks Gayle. Who says you can’t teach an ol gal new tricks, eh? ~2~ Can’t wait for the end of this week as I am in finals week. Then have the summer off from school so I can pursue my craft and, hopefully, get some things new and updated on the website.
Congratulations, Terri! That is wonderful!
Thanks Allie! Hope that spring has finally made it to your little corner of the world. We have had one really nice warm day and then yesterday it was very damp and chilly. Thankfully, we did not have any rain. Today it is overcast, and suppose to be around 50. Sure doesn’t feel like spring.
Wishing you all the best. Hopefully, I’ll be doing a road trip towards the Detroit area sometime over the summer. Perhaps we can get together. Just let me know. You have my email address, send me an email telling me of some good dates for you in June/July and I’ll check my calendar to make sure I’m not doing any wedding photography and be there with bells on!
Terri at the Drake’s Nest where some warm sunny weather would definitely be nice!