This now sounds like a cliche, but it is the honest truth - Education is a key to success! I am very thankful to the people who crossed my path and encouraged me to go to college. It was not my thinking that got me here, it was people who connected me to the university at a time when I did not even think this place was for me. If I had followed my thoughts I would not have gone to college, I just wanted to get a job right out of high school. Of course the real underlying reason I accepted the offer to UCSB was because my father was so strict. I was not allowed to go to the high school dances. I did not date in high school and I felt very confined. My real reason for going to UCSB was to leave home and be able to figure out my own terms and not feel so restricted.

A very powerful impact. I was at UCSB in 1973 - 78 and it was huelga time, teatro campesino and teatro de la esperanza, Boycotts and picketing and then La Escuelita, Campo Aztlan and trips to la Pinta in Lompoc to talk to the inmates and the campus politics Raza Libre, MEChA and then El Congreso and so many parties and of course Santa Barbara. Whew!! It was exhilarating, exciting and confusing and a rush... but.. it was also self-identification, sense of belonging and connections with some really neat people. EOP connected me to the university community.

Interestingly, I did not officially graduate from UCSB until 10 years after I had last attended a class in 1978. I pooped out in the last week of finals in my last semester. Two years later I got married and started having children. I got a clerical job at this college and then I saw what counselors were earning. I decided to complete my BA so I could go on for my MA to be a counselor. (I only needed one class) My motivation again was family related - a part time counseling position would pay me that same as a full time clerical position and so I would be able to spend more time at home with my two little boys. I took a loan on our home so I could pay for education to earn a masters at San Diego State University. Now everyday I thank God and myself for having made this career move. As of 6 years ago, I have been a single parent of five children. It feels terrific to be able to provide for my children a quality lifestyle. I earn what I need and then some so we can have fun. I have been able to take my children on neat trips. Also I set an example to my children about the importance of higher education. My two eldest boys are now in college. One is just completing his first year at Cal Poly Pomona and my eldest just earned his AA and will be living in London to work on his art portfolio.

All my friends, experiences and of course the parties.