In 1993, while attending the University of Cincinnati, I found myself 19 years old and pregnant. My mothers nightmare come true. I was knocked off my square and thrust into accelerated maturity, womanhood and motherhood. No longer attending college, I attended the school of hard-knocks and made a way out of no way for me and my son. Fast forward a few years and I met my husband. He was a single man with no kids and was interested in me, a single mother. He fit into our life so seamlessly, getting engaged and then married seemed like a no brainer. A few years into our marriage we welcomed a set of twin boys and life continued. I continued working and hoped that getting back to school would be in my future. It's so hard preaching the benefits of a college degree to your kids, when you yourself don't have one. I was a hypocrite and I didn't like it. I knew I had to get back to school, but I wasn't sure how or when. It was a hard road to tow, but in 2021, 30 years after graduating from high school, I obtained my Associates degree. It was a proud moment, and clearly a long time coming. But I still wanted more. I have applied and gained entry to University of Cincinnati. This feels so full circle. My sons and my husband are all so very proud of me. Having watched me sacrifice to get my Associates, while working a full time job, and still being mom, they see the hard work it takes to go after your dreams. Getting my Bachelor's degree will allow me to increase my desirability in the work force as well as make me a more competitive candidate.