Helen, 50
Andover, VT

It is a Woman’s World! Women give birth to the world. Women cradle the world. Women feed the world. Women clean the world. Why is it so difficult to enter the world?

I’ve always known that my Greek name means “light, torch”. I was strengthened by that as a child. I imagined myself carrying a torch, leading people to truth and discovery. I suppose that may be why I decided to home school our seven children.

During the 18 years that I have been teaching our children, we have adopted a total of seven of our foster children. Each one presented with special needs. Learning challenges? Or was I teaching impaired? Our adult children are now doing remarkably well!

I’ve waited long enough. I’m ready now to go out and make my place in the world. Time changes things, though, and I’ve been out of the work force for 20 years now.

Why should it be so difficult to enter the world as an adult woman when I have spent a lifetime nurturing and teaching children?
I have decided that to enter today’s world I will need at least an associate’s degree. That degree will represent two years of college education. For, you see, I am a woman making my place in the world. I will need credentials. I will need some proof that I have been successful.

The week that I enrolled the children in school, I finalized my enrollment in Kaplan University. I’ve decided to get my two years of college as a paralegal. Not only would that get me the credentials I would need to work at the school as an aide, but it would put me in position to do what I have always wanted to do… study law.

I’ve been looking at the torch that represents enlightenment. I think of myself and my own life. I have always felt that it is an important part of who I am to shed light on the path for others. Teaching, building hope, encouraging while brightening the way, those were the attributes I strived for.

I’m Helen. As I lift that torch higher to light my own path, I can see the world ahead. I’m looking forward to my new adventure.