First paper autobiography...why not just add it!

Gloria Barnett
World Religions and Religious Perspectives GL 411E-412E
R. Wayne Perkins, Ph.D.
August 31, 2009
The world was first blessed with my presence July 29, 1963. I was the youngest of five children born to my parents Sherman and Mayme Orange. Although our parents were both from Central Kentucky, our home has always been in Evansville, Indiana. We were very fortunate to maintain a strong connection with our parent’s hometown. Country living is one of my favorite aspects of my childhood.
It was normal for our mother to have our bags packed on Fridays so that as soon as dad got off work we would head to Kentucky. Every weekend seemed like a vacation. I mention all of this because the time we spent running, playing, fishing and camping without any worries, helped to form who I am today. Neither of my parents attended, or much less graduated, high school. During the late forties in Muhlenberg county many students did not earn a high school education. Some, including my father, never completed elementary school. Most obtained jobs as quickly as possible to help support their families. Some chose to move from their respective family homes to lessen the burden on their parents. This is what my father did at age fifteen. He moved to Evansville and lied about his age to obtain employment. Later he returned to his hometown to retrieve and marry my mother his childhood sweetheart.
With lots of love they began a family within two years of marriage. My father worked in a factory while my mother often worked as a cook in various restaurants. For reasons that I can only guess, I never remember my parents taking a real interest in my education. Maybe my parents were exhausted from raising my four older siblings. Perhaps my parent’s limited education may have hindered their ability to be positive role models regarding my education. One thing is for certain, a strong desire to learn was not instilled in my very formative years. I never developed a true appreciation for education until I was in my sophomore year of high school. Although I began to focus more on learning I had a limited amount of self confidence and lacked productive study habits. In my senior year of high school I applied and was accepted to what is now known as, the University of Southern Indiana with dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher. It was just a dream that I felt was out of my reach. I knew that the expense was far beyond anything that I could possibly afford.
Oh, by the way I had a child while in high school and was living up to my responsibilities with a great amount of seriousness. Had I known at the time of the assistance available for a single mother pursuing a degree; I might have taken full advantage. My parents did teach me perseverance, the importance of a positive work ethic, and to be a good person that makes a positive contribution to society. With these attributes along with my strong ability to effectively communicate I have achieved success in my career.
By the time that I was twenty I held a respectable position as a shipping system specialist for Pitney Bowes, which was a fortune three hundred corporation. A few years later when personal computers were becoming a part of everyone’s work environment, I joined one of the most prominent computer sales firms in the area, Van Ausdall and Ferrar. I was the first in the company to sell a network computer system that consisted of fourteen work stations. This career path led me to be on the road constantly which was not in the best interest of my family.
With my work schedule at that time I found myself picking my son up from daycare only to take him to my mother’s home while I attended a meeting or did a presentation. The schedule was taking a major toll on my son and weighing very heavy on my heart. A friend told me about a job opportunity with a real estate firm that would allow me to work a normal office schedule in a position of administrative support to the realtors. This position led me to obtaining my Indiana real estate license. I was also promoted to a new position as an assistant to the president and vice president of the firm. Although I no longer traveled out of town, I found myself working many additional hours. With listing and showing homes, hosting open houses, I was basically working two jobs. I found myself neglecting my most important responsibility of being a mother. I feel money is not the most important thing, but when you fear not being able to meet the most basic needs of your family you come to realize that ultimately your survival depends on it.
To make life easier, I accepted a position with a local travel agency as a receptionist with the hopes of easing the burden. I was soon promoted to a travel agent position. Here we go again on another new adventure. This opportunity was the best fit for me and my family. This new career path led me to work with a wonderful group of women that have become my sisters for life. Each of these relationships helped to created some of the most beautiful threads in the tapestry of who I have become thus far.
As a travel agent I have traveled from Polynesia to Cairo. I never fathomed that I would ride a camel around the great pyramids or cruise the Nile. I traveled from Alexandria the northern most point of Egypt to ancient Abu Simbel very near the Sudan boarder. I have lit candles and prayed for my family in many basilicas and cathedrals throughout Europe including the Cathedral of Notre Dame. I have enjoyed these travels prior to experiencing much of my own backyard such as Alaska. Experiencing the world through travel has given me a better understanding of the world and my place in it.
In 1993 I married a very kind and loving man, Ronald Barnett. Ron encouraged me to take the adventure vacation of my dreams. This consisted of an eight day long rafting and camping trip down the Colorado River. The best part of the experience was that it cut all the way through the Grand Canyon during a full moon phase. Our first day on the water was my forty-first birthday. This adventure led me to overcome many fears such as my fear of heights. I climbed to amazing locations and experienced beauty beyond anything that I had ever imagined. I slept under the stars without a tent. I even became comfortable enough to climb above and dive into waterfalls in some of the tributaries. It was amazing to see the unbelievable amount of lush and tropical scenery. My expectations of this adventure were high, but the reality was far greater than I had imagined.
My years as a travel agent have not only allowed me to be there for my son, they have allowed me to open his eyes to the world. It has become my mantra to be aware that we are not only citizens of our community we are citizens of the world. Due to the rapidly increasing cost of medical insurance coverage I made a very difficult decision to leave my fulltime position as a Senior Travel Counselor with Haynie Travel. I chose to accept a position in residential property management to help oversee the development and management of Lakeshore Apartment Homes. I have continued to work as an independent contractor with the travel agency.
Since my decision to attend the University of Evansville, I have curtailed my commitment to my travel clients. My greatest priority at this time is to successfully complete the GL program and earn my degree. I am not certain where I anticipate this program to lead me. I do know that not having this degree has kept me from achieving greater success in today’s business world. I know that I have made great accomplishments and wish to continue to build my legacy.
I am enjoying being a wife of sixteen years and making wonderful memories with my children and grandchildren. I am excitedly facing the next three years of my personal growth. I look forward to learning, achieving and simply doing something so meaningful that is for me. I am afraid of the expense to the point that it nearly takes my breath away, all the more reason for me to make the very most of my investment.
My son Jeff Orange graduated magna cum Laude from this program just this last spring. It was Jeff as well as recent events in my life that has convinced me to join this highly regarded program. I am grateful for this experience and look forward to the next three years of learning and growing.

Today is the day!!!

My first class is tonight at 6pm. The history of religions of the world. Let's see what I know so far....I had planned (against my sons advice) not to purchase a $50 parking pass. My classes are at night, I can park right on Rotherwood...there should be no problems right? Soooo wrong, don't be cheap! Parking is a major issue....something that many of these youngsters already are aware of. The "free" parking is right in front of the dorms....hmmm yeah, I'm not gonna get to park there too often. Being frugal doesn't always get you the best result. So I have $50 less in my pocket today but will spend the rest of this school year NOT dealing with parking stresses.

Now to get on with the main objective learning and earning my degree! I am very excited about my first class and not even at all nervous about what to expect. I don't know why people keep asking me that. I "expect" to learn. So I think I'll listen take notes and focus on learning. I have found that we have a field trip the weekend of my grand-daughters birthday party. NOT something that I would ever consider an option to miss. I have made a very important promise to a very important person...me. I am taking the required weekend trip and planning a very special "event" to celebrate Kylahs Birthday personally. I'm certain that this is only the first of many inconveniences that I will encounter. I am also certain that the end result is going to be for the betterment of every aspect of my life....especially for my grandchildren. I hope to set a new and better standard for all of my family. Not to degrade what anyone has accomplished, because including myself we have accomplished a lot. Perhaps even more than we know or give ourselves credit for. I just want to see and experience a new horizon that will open doors for me and my life. I want to be an example to all of the children and adults in my family not of what I can do, but what we all can and really must do in today's world. I love my family more than they will ever know.

After losing my father this past February, I spent a lot of time reflecting on his life and thinking about what my life may become. I realized that I have power that I never knew I had. The power to build my own destiny. I spent a lot of time taking care of my father as he and I both knew that he was dying. For six months I used every ounce of my mental and physical strength to prolong his life and make every last moment of his life the best that it could be. He shared a lot of remorse for what he had not accomplished, I wanted to be sure that he was aware of his greatness and that we, his family and all of our accomplishments are a part of his legacy. On that subject we had many conversations. I am certain that when he took his last breath he took it in peace and comfort that he was a great man that did many great things. He told me I was "perfect", I know better than that. I made certain that what he saw in me was of him. So perhaps he was perfect! I love him and miss him every day. This is as I said for all of my family. We are gonna get better and do better...if it takes another ten years to figure out how. I never want to see another family member pass away without at least considering the option of taking the chance to be more than their reflection in a mirror. We can take what we see in the mirror combine it with all that is in our hearts and minds and achieve greatness!

Off to school!!

I guess I really knew it, now it is confirmed. Nothing special about me or my application that entitles me to any "real" financial assistance. That's okay...it is after all a business. I'll pay the price then end the debt as quickly as possible. I know what the value in this investment CAN be and I WILL put it to work for me and my family. There are so many pieces of our lives that reappear long after they have fallen out of view. I finally got to meet Angie the financial aid officer that has been helping me in person today. The first thing that she said was "Gloria, it is you!" I actually mentored her in the mid 80's when I was a representative at Pitney Bowes. She is only one year younger than me. She said that she recognized my "singing" voice when she first talked to me. That is funny in itself, although I am known to have a very distinct voice, singing has nothing to do with it I promise. I can cause real physical pain to someone just by singing. My last name is not the same as it was then and she wasn't sure if it was me. Anyhow, I remember her well and the very nice thank you note she sent me after our week together. Now she is my mentor per say. I signed the loan papers and away we go!

A little over a week away from day one and....

I found out today that not only am I not eligible for financial grants, I can only have up to $3,500 per year in interest free student loans....er should I say low interest that will begin accruing 6 months after my completion date. The balance can be financed at 6.5% that will begin accruing interest right away. I am so frustrated that the changes that we have been expecting are on the backburner while our financial system is being saved. Hmmm... meanwhile I have to pay this crazy amount that is far above my means at this time. I am moving forward with the commitment I have made. Not only am I moving forward to earn my degree, but to learn. Today, as every day, is the first day of the rest of my life. I want to cry...but choose to be strong and continue to move forward with this endeavor. The funny thing is that I am so conservative with money always being so careful to not overspend and I do this? Faith is all that I have to go on. Faith that I will not only earn a great education, but that I will increase my income quickly enough to pay all of this back as fast as possible and put this degree to work for my future. It may not be the best choice that I can make today, but I will make it the best outcome for all of my tomorrows.

I meeting with the financial aid office at UE tomorrow morning. There is a possibility that I have made an error in filling out the FASFA form. Hope that is the case. If so I soppose that it could be argued that I am not smart enough to go to college...as I was told in high school. I will chose to think that it would suggest that I NEED to go to college. I do have a sense of humor!!!

I almost cried today when I got the news....it wouldn't help. I just need to find the best way to finance this investment....I don't think the government option fits in with the best options of today. The current Stafford Loan program reflects an interest rate that has not been adjusted for almost three years. The rate was pretty much in line for that period of time....but today we have interest rates more within the realm of non-interest. Hopefully "Change" will come soon. This first year is going to be the most expensive. I'll follow up with a post as soon as I have a clear understanding of the investment that I will be looking at. I do this to perhaps help others and to give myself an opportunity to take a look back at where I started and how it all comes together. If you know me at all you probably have heard me say more than once that sometimes when we feel like it's all falling apart it often times is falling together. I am hoping for the later. If not I will find a way to put it together.

My new life as a STUDENT

This is the new story of me. I have just turned 46 and after much thought and consideration am going to start college in two weeks. Why? I wish I had a real clear answer to that question. All I can say for certain is that because I can and know that I should. Fortunately for me I have a really smart five year old grandaughter who suggested if I were nervous about going back to school I should just ask someone to go with me. What a smart young lady! So I asked her if she would. She said yes and we went to the University of Evansville that afternoon and finalized my paperwork. Kylah this is for you and your little sister Kennedy. It is never too late to revise your life and make it better. Also, as your father has taught me.."It is never too late to be what you might have been."

So it begins, my new life as a student. With fear, excitement and most of all a huge desire to learn. I plan to keep you and myself apprised of the new experiences ahead both the good, the bad and the ugly. I will be honest on this blog about all of my fears, weaknesses and hopefully the strengths that I plan to uncover in my own personality.

Over the next three years, as the experiences allow I will share some of my past that has brought me to this place in my life. Enjoy all that is enjoyable. Inspire all that you can.