Jeanne, 36
Burbank, CA

I remember clearly that as a child I was quite determined. ... I was exceptionally passionate about certain subjects and I invited debate. My mother would always exclaim in exasperation, “You should be a lawyer!” Soon, becoming a lawyer became a dream of mine. ... I wanted to be an advocate for the poor, assist families who were in need, and argue my position until I was blue in the face. I wanted to save the world. But, as sometimes happens in life, I ultimately made choices that derailed that dream.

… After graduating from high school, I enrolled in community college, but … I dropped out of school to nurse a broken heart and then took a year or so off. I still dreamed of being a lawyer, but I was young and I thought I had all the time in the world to get it done. After several months of living on my own and working full-time, I decided it was time to go back to school.

I enrolled in community college again and this time I was determined to get it done. Being back in school was refreshing and exciting, and I was looking forward [to] finally fulfilling my dreams. … I found out shortly after starting classes that I was pregnant. … I trusted my fiancée would be there to help me with the baby while I got through school. I kept going to class throughout my pregnancy and even after I had my son, but, unfortunately, my son’s father wasn’t up to the task. He quickly disappeared from our lives. … This left me a single mother living on one income.

I had to make a choice. I was working full-time, going to school at night and trying to care for my newborn son. I wasn’t able to do all three. I couldn’t afford to. I had to stop going to school. It was a devastating blow.

Several years passed and … I started taking classes again. I was only able to take one or two classes at a time, but at least I was back in school.

… Then, in 2002 … I became pregnant and my second son was born. ... I was no longer able to attend classes on campus due to the constraints of working full-time and caring for a new baby. My husband worked long hours and he wasn’t able to watch our son … I was ecstatic to learn that I could still obtain my degree, only now by taking all online classes. … It was hard work, but in June of this year I finally graduated …

… When I walked up on that stage and accepted my diploma, I could hear my two boys out in the stands screaming, “You did it Mom! You did it!” …

… In March of this year my husband and I separated. … Now more than ever I need to keep going … I am currently embarking on the next part of my scholastic journey. I have been accepted into the business program at Bellevue University (Nebraska). It is a program held entirely ... Honestly, I can’t wait to hear my children screaming … out to me, “You did it Mom! You did it! You did it AGAIN!” They are my inspiration. They are holding my hands as I realize my dream. I will do it. I will do it, again …