I remember when I first started my program. I was eager to get done. The mornings of driving 40 minutes to campus to get to my 8am lectures got old really fast. I was a non-traditional student. I was married, I had children, and I lived off campus. I knew it would be a challenge, but I wasn't aware how big of a challenge I was up against. I worked hard, sacrificed family time, and juggled being a student, teacher, mom, and wife. On May 13, around 10:45 am, I stared out into the crowd of graduates waiting for their moment. The moment that would kick start their prosperous future. I couldn't believe that I was sitting behind the Dean of the School of Education. I was a recipient of the Senior Leadership Award. It was as if I was having an out of body experience. I felt accomplished and proud to be there, but it was surreal. I walked across the stage two times that afternoon. Once to receive my award and the other, to receive my degree. Well, the leather pouch th