Life goes on, live and learn, keep reaching for the stars...



While attending undergraduate studies at Western Michigan University I knew that one day I would continue my education with completion of a Master's Degree.  I grew up in a lower economic area of town.  Many of the people I grew up with did not graduate from high school.

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My parents divorced when I was very young.  Although my parents were divorced they both taught me the importance of education at an early age.  I was raised to believe that if I wanted a better life I would have to attend college.  Upon completion of my Associate's Degree, I attended Western Michigan University to complete my Bachelor's Degree.  I saw a goal and set my mind to it.  I knew I had no other choice, as I did not want to spend my life struggling like my parents and many others around me.  I knew that education was a way out.  I completed my Bachelor’s Degree and hoped to find a full-time job in the Kalamazoo area. 

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I am very close to my family and have always lived in the area.  However, when the economy in Michigan continued to worsen, I made the decision to move to New Orleans, Louisiana when I was offered a first-grade teaching position.  I credit the strength and courage I had for this move to my family and fiancé.  Without them I would have never been able to relocate so far from everyone I love.   As stated earlier, I always knew that I would work on my Master’s Degree, however with the loss of my younger cousin, my great aunt and fiancé within five months of each other, I have come to understand that life is too short, one never knows what tomorrow may bring.  Why put off for tomorrow what we can do today?  That being said, my drive for completing one of my life goals surfaced dramatically.  

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I began my Master's program in 2010 and have worked very hard to learn and grow.  I am very happy to say that over the past two and a half years I have accomplished many things including my Master's, as well as securing a job in my home state of Michigan.  I do not know what the future holds for me, but I know that I will continue to reach for the stars.  ~Jessica Skinner