Thirty years ago, I was getting ready to graduate from high school. I had big dreams! I was going to go to school and become someone. At the time I had no idea what this meant but I was game for anything. A year later I was on my way to Vancouver to finish my chemical engineering degree. I was so excited! Then I walked into a bar and met the most amazing person. He had the biggest brown eyes and a smile that melted my heart. I walked right on over to him and took his hat. He asked for it back. And, to my surprise, I asked "What are you going to do for it?" We will celebrate 29 years together this coming November! 

Now you might be wondering what happened to me going off to Vancouver. Did I go? Yes, I did. For nine days! Then Jason came down and brought me home. I was on a new path that did not include a university degree. An engagement, a wedding, and three babies later it was a rollercoaster ride of amazing ups and downs.

All this time I never forgot my dream. It was always at the back of my mind. I was a wife and a mom, but I was missing something for me. I went back to school and tried to get my Bachelor of Science degree with a major in math, but my life did not allow me to finish it. Or maybe I did not try hard enough. I had kids. I had a husband. I was always too busy, and school got in the way.

The next thing I knew we moved away, and University was no longer something I had access to. Life went on. The kids got older, and life was busy Then the kids got to an age where they no longer needed me as much. They went away to school. They moved out. Two out of three are married and having babies of their own. One was still at home. It was my time.

Two and half years ago I took a giant leap and registered with Athabasca University to take my Bachelor of Commerce degree. Part way through I realized that I could take my Bachelor of General Studies in Applied Studies and they would take more of my old courses as electives, so I switched. I took courses in finance, leadership, management, marketing, and business.

For two and a half years I worked a full-time job, ran a photography company, and did full-time university courses. It was a struggle. I had to turn down wonderful photography clients. I had to miss family events. I knew I was putting a strain on relationships, and I felt selfish, but I kept going. I was not going to quit this time. When I felt like quitting, someone gave me the push that I needed.

On June 20, 2024, 30 years after I graduated high school, I will walk the stage and receive my Bachelor of General Studies in Applied Studies with distinction! A GPA of 3.76!

I am so thankful for my husband, children, family, friends, and community who pushed me and encouraged me. I thank you all sincerely!

Now is the time for me to grow as a person, a wife, a mom, a nana, and as a photographer! 

Cheers to New Beginnings!