Personal Reflection

I didn’t go to college right after high school due to several issues I had with my parents. They didn’t want me to go away to school thinking I would get involved with people and situations they didn’t approve of and couldn’t control. They exercised a great deal of control of what I did, where I went and how I acted while I was in high school. They didn’t like any of my friends – and I was a GOOD KID. I didn’t do drugs or drink, I hung around with kids whose values and morals were the same as mine and the house I grew up in. So instead of college I followed my parent’s directions to be on staff at the church we attended. While I regret that I didn’t go to college right after high school, I can say today that returning to school in my late 30’s gives me a greater perspective to look at all sides of an issue – things aren’t black and white like they were for me as high school ended – I can objectively look at a situation and see all sides.

I was very shy and slow to warm up (jut like my virtual child) and it wasn’t until my mid-twenties that I was able to over come that. Today I am more confident in my own abilities. However, my interests have stayed the same. I still love working with kids, and I can do so with a greater confidence now. I’ve also mellowed a bit when dealing with changes. When high school ended if a situation did not follow my plan to a T – I was a wreck. Now I can adapt and change with a situation without all the stress and drama.

I am a happier person today than I was when high school ended and part of that is simply because I stopped living to please other people and started living to please myself.