Returning to School after a 20-Year Break

Why would someone want to take a break from their life to return to school while working full time and raising a family? This is the question I have to ask myself over and over now that I am halfway through the pursuit of my Masters Degree in Public Administration with a Certificate in Information Technology Management. I work for a local city government agency and have been managing the Information Technology department for about 11 or 12 years. I have learned on the job, essentially from the ground up and have developed to the point where I can make decisions based on enabled intuition. The difficulty has come with management either not understanding or not valuing the insight an Information Technology leader can bring to the organization.

I was able to bring a cohesive, lean management style to the implementation of Information Technology in the agency, but I think it was taken for granted because when the new management came on the scene, I was pushed off of the management team - a decision obviously made before I ever had a chance to talk to the City Manager. It was both humiliating and degrading. I had already made the decision to return to school to earn my degree before this occurred, and was able to draw on these events as subject matter for my school papers and to use them as a "therapy" of sorts, which helped me get through the very difficult transition. I attribute this to God's grace and His ways of "preparing the way".

I relied on God through the transition. He helped me through it, and I thank Him. It is my desire to use the insight I am learning through my education to serve Him because I think it is due to Him that I am doing as well as I am. Five classes finished; five to go. The EMPA program at Golden Gate University consists of 9 courses. I have finished 6 of them and have gotten A's on each one. The ITM certificate program consists of 5 courses. I have completed one and got an A+ in that course. This trimester, I will be working on the next two courses for EMPA and the next one for ITM. I continue to pray for God's strength through this as it is not an easy process!

Proud Mom

After a LOT of work and much studying, Addam graduated from High School with a 4.2 GPA, made Eagle Scout, and got himself a job all within the span of about a month! He was soooo ready to graduate, he had been talking about it for most of the school year, and he did it!

His Eagle journey was, at times, challenging - especially for his Mom (me!) who was trying to motivate him. I was honored that he choose me as his Mentor honoree at the Eagle ceremony. Addam's project was the landscape renovation of the area in front of the Tiny Tots playground. He led a team of boys in putting in irrigation, planting plants, and laying down mulch, and it turned out very nice.

One day after his graduation ceremony, he had his Eagle Court of Honor which he shared with two other Eagles - Kalvin and Will. This was a special day for them and one they will remember their whole lives. Congratulations Nemo!

Yes, I'm Still Dancing

The dance studio I attend had our bi-annual show in June and it was great fun! I "tap danced my heart out". Months of practice brought us to the point where we were ready to perform and everyone did a great job. The story line was really good ("And the Winner is...") touching on different awards ceremonies. Sherrie, the most creative tap choreographer I have ever danced under, writes the story line and it was a "Winner"!

My dances were Big Time Woman from Way Out West, Low Rider, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Gettin' Ready Rag, Ritz, and Boogie Tap, and the performances went well for all. Gina's jazz numbers were beautiful, Regina's hip hop numbers were "buck", and Nicky's classes were tight. Classes will start again soon and I can hardly wait!

Class Reunion

Last February I attended my class reunion for El Camino High School and it was a great time! I saw a few old friends - Joyce, the other "2 musketeers" from Jr. High - Yoly and Maryann, Patti, Dave, and Will. Had a chance to chat with Betsy, Tammy, my tap dance partner Yvonne, and many more people. Everyone looked great! We caught up with as many people as we could and it was nice to hear that people were doing well.

I missed seeing more people from Show Troupe. It would have been nice to catch up with more of them and see what they are up to now - see if anyone else is still performing and where. Well, maybe next time!