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I had so many jobs in different fields (licensed insurance agent, state worker, school of medicine administration, mayor's assistant) because I became bored with one and sought out new challenges. It wasn't until I was 42 years old that I thought...hey, I've watched all of the reruns on TV, why not take a college course? Eventually I switched to being a full time student in a room with 18 year old classmates. With perseverance I completed by Bachelors degree after 6 years. Well, let's see what a Master's degree is like. Three years later, I finished that. Ok, I'll try a PhD, which has a completion rate of about 25% who end up finishing it. Determined not to be one of the ABD's (all but dissertation), I finished it in 5 years. Not to prove anything to anyone else but myself, I had a lot of real world experience before I sat foot in a classroom. Eventually I found my passion for teaching and helping students succeed was more fulfilling than anything else I had done. I began in 2002 and now in 2024, I still find the same satisfaction in the online classroom. Do what You love and what inspires you...your path is yours, wherever or whenever it takes you. Perhaps down the road less traveled. It's the right road for you.

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Thank you for reading my post & becoming a subscriber to @next50years Becky! It means a lot. 🤗❤️ This post was one of the harder ones for me to write. The older I get the more comfortable I am in my own skin. I LOVE your stories. I hope you write and post some here on Substack. Always glad to hear more about how you grew up and the things you've done in your life. Appreciate the comment.

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I came across your post in the Coffee Times chat - Knowing what you value is more important than the piece of paper! A degree is nice, but not the be-all, end-all. I have two, but I am starting to realize the second one wasn't necessary. A steadfast seeker is a good thing!

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Thank you so much for reading my post & your comments Christopher! I wish there was a degree for lifelong learning. I would have aced that.😉 Whatever path we follow, it's part of our uniqueness & hopefully we learn along the way. I'm definitely still learning. Wishing you the best in the New Year & every success!

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Thank you! You too!

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Thank you so much for sharing your deeply personal and reflective journey, especially around the theme of education. Remember, success is defined in myriad ways, and your journey underscores that success is not confined to a traditional educational trajectory. Wishing you a wonderful and fulfilling Holiday season, filled with joy, self-acceptance, and continued growth. Keep smiling, and keep embracing the incredible journey you've crafted for yourself!

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Thank you so much Winston. Appreciate your kind words. I'm waiting for a ride at Disney World currently with my granddaughters so I'll keep this brief. 🏰😉🎉 Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays! We are having a magical day here🧚‍♂️ 🌲

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This is gold. Thanks for sharing?

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The ? should be !. Sorry for the typo XD

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Dec 9, 2023
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Thank you so much for reading my post Avni! 😁 Wishing you & yours a wonderful Holiday Season. ❤️

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