In 1990, I severely injured my back while working for a beverage distributor, and was forced to consider yet another major occupational change. Following my back surgery and during a long and arduous rehabilitation process, I began volunteering at the elementary school where my daughters attended. Both Shaundar and Jaime were identified at an early age as being exceptionally academically precocious and, as a result, were enrolled in a program designed just for such youngsters. Their respective teachers were likewise exceptional individuals, and my experiences in their classrooms led me to wish that I too could be such a positive influence for young people.

After much frustration in my search for gainful employment, it became evident that I would need to acquire some training in order to resume a productive position in society. Gratefully, the state of Arizona came to my aid, and I was referred for Vocational Rehabilitation. After evaluating my aptitudes and interests, I was given the greatest opportunity that anyone could ask for; Voc Rehab decided that I was a worthy risk and sent me to college to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher.

I began my quest at Mohave Community College where I found a comfortable niche as a promising student. I took as many classes as I could and learned a great deal from many incredibly brilliant professors. I particularly enjoyed the English and Literature classes as well as the study of History, Psychology, Philosophy and the natural Sciences. Mathematics was my most formidable hurdle, but I learned how to learn, and soon excelled in this fascinating discipline. I became President of the campus's chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and eventually was elected to a Regional Vice President post. In 1994, I graduated with an Associate of the Arts degree and was selected as the outstanding degree graduate.

Speaking at my graduation was a great honor, and afterward, I was in no hurry to leave the comfortable embrace of my home-away-from-home. I continued to take classes at MCC for the plain sake of acquiring as much knowledge as I could. Eventually, a revered and wise English professor with whom I had established a personal bond, convinced me that there was little left for me at the community college and that I must seek higher enlightenment from the boundless resources of a university--and from a university library!