So proud!

The Oehrl/Garemore family are kind of slow starters. It takes us a while to figure out what we want to do, but when we decide, it's full speed ahead. Amanda, is of course the exception- she knew what college degree she wanted, started right after high school, and went straight thru and graduated, then later went to a different college for her Master's in Physics. 

I was 28 when I started college. I had a husband, a house, a couple of kids, dogs, and cats. But I decided I was ready. It took 7 years, and a change in majors, but I did it. Graduated from Rutgers with a BSN. I kept my goals realistic- I wanted to have a 3.0 GPA, and I managed a 3.1. Not that a single person has ever asked! 

Heather was another late starter, but again, when she decided she wanted to go for a BSN, she forged ahead and got it. 

And then there's Stephanie. She took some classes, but didn't have a major in mind. She got a job for a temp agency, and they sent her to ISO- Insurance Services Organization. As soon as she started there, they loved her and went thru the steps to hire her. They also encouraged her to go to college, and paid for it. She got her associate degree at Camden County College, and then applied to Holy Family University, which offers a degree in Fire Science. She did fabulously, and should have graduated with honors. Silly college said that since she didn't do all her classes there, they could give her honors. She was robbed!

 She then applied to St. Joseph's University in Philly, for a Master's in Fire Science and Public Safety Administration. Her work kept paying for the classes and supporting her. She just graduated from St. Joe's, Summa Cum Laude! We are certainly not surprised, but we are thrilled and so proud of her!

She didn't walk, because- and how ridiculous is this- it costs over $300 to walk! All the tuition money she paid them, and they want her to pay to walk? Not likely. 

Congratulations Stephanie! We love you and we're so proud of you!