Thank you!

**Crimebytes2** · 12-20-06, 05:31 PM

For those of you who aren’t aware, I’m an oldie trying to pull off the unthinkable. I’m trying to earn an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in the Human Services, Addictive Studies program. My goal is to become a substance abuse counselor. And with so many of you posting under the influence (you know who you are), I doubt I will have a difficult time finding work.

Anyway, when I first started this journey I didn’t see myself graduating. Why? Who knows? With the exception of my children, I’ve accomplished very little in my life as a daughter, wife, and mother. In fact, when I turned 43, I stepped back and took an honest look at my life – I was not pleased with what I saw. I decided I would use what time I had left in a meaningful way and put my energy toward that which truly mattered – helping others. This was two years ago.

No, I haven’t completed my degree but I’m almost there! Yep! I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. This is a huge step for me considering I couldn’t find the tunnel to begin with. Not only can I see myself graduating in the fall of 2007, I managed to pull off the most difficult semester of all semesters! This wasn’t an easy task for me… I had many obstacles to overcome. To make a long story short, I don’t want to bore you with the details; it became so bad that, at one point, I didn’t see myself returning to school in January. Talk about stress… this soon to be counselor thought she might need a counselor herself.

Instead, I turned to LEF! When I found myself stressed beyond belief or if I just needed a break, whatever the case, I knew I could log on to LEF and find exactly what I needed. Whether it was a good laugh or just a change of scenery, you were always there for me. I can never thank you enough. On a final note, I received my grades today. With the exception of one C (Statistics), I earned all A’s and B’s. Speaking of Statistics, I’ve learned a very important lesson this semester. DO NOT let anyone dictate the path to your future. If you do, and they abandon you, you will have no one to blame but yourself! I know because it almost happened to me. Someone I considered a best friend turned out not to be a friend at all.

Thanks for being here for me and for listening! From my family (CopsRCool and Chad) to yours, here’s wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday. Take care!

CB2

**Hannibal** · 12-20-06, 05:34 PM

Good for you, I never doubted you.

**Willowdared** · 12-20-06, 05:44 PM

Bravo!!!!!!

**nitestokker** · 12-20-06, 05:50 PM

It's never too late to better yourself. I'm proud of you. I wish I had the determination to go back to college.

**jmur5074** · 12-20-06, 05:51 PM

Congratulations on everything you've already accomplished.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Merry Kazumba...whatever!

**Buttercup** · 12-20-06, 06:03 PM

Congratulations, CB2! It takes a lot to go back to school after being away for so long, particularly when you have other obligations. You've done a great job!

**Terminator** · 12-20-06, 06:09 PM

Congratulations.

**TheOldRhino** · 12-21-06, 01:06 AM

Originally Posted by Crimebytes2

And with so many of you posting under the influence (you know who you are),

I do what I can.

Heaven on earth?

**Autumn2009** · 12-21-06, 02:22 AM

Congrats!! Glad we could all be here for ya! Keep up the good work!

**JohnnyRotten** · 12-21-06, 02:42 AM

I never doubted you for a moment.

Congratulations!

**Crimebytes2** · 12-22-06, 03:40 PM

Thanks, everyone! I'm very excited about the new semester starting in January. My classes are Social Work & Social Welfare, Group Counseling, Leadership Development, and Principles of Astronomy (how this fits into Addictive Studies, I have no clue)! Notice anything different? NO MATH! Yippee!