From my early 20’s I had a desire to graduate college, but there has always been a reason for not doing so. First, it was lack of support and finances. No one had attended college in my family. Then it was raising a family of 5 children (one deceased), mostly on my own, who have all attended college. Then it was age. I told myself, I am too old. Friends said I was too old. So, I tried to forget about it. But the desire was deep and one day I told my son, that one of my biggest regrets in life is that I did not get my bachelor’s degree. He told me, “You’re not dead yet If it means that much to you, do it." Once I started looking around at schools, I found out that many people my age were returning to school. I checked a couple out, but when I heard about Shorter and talked to Kelly Morris, I was sold. I went to the information session and knew Shorter was where I wanted to be.
I also felt Shorter would be good for my son, so I immediately called him and said, “I found the school for you." He went to the information session, also with Kelly Morris, and immediately enrolled. I was still waivering over age and finances. But finally, I made the call again to Shorter, almost three years later. Kelly was gone, but I came and talked to Dorothy O’Neil, who was just as great as Kelly. The fact that they were so professional, yet personal and patient, helped sell me on Shorter. The learning teams were a big draw for me as well. I felt that I would have immediate support by being a part of a smaller team. I am presently with a couple of ladies I never would have thought I would be on a team with, but we are clicking. I have gained a family at Shorter. Our Learning Team’s name is Wings of Hawks because we feel that we have found a place where we will gain the knowledge necessary to become one of the best and smartest in our chosen field. Being a Hawk to me means family, support, and success!
Attending Shorter for me is like the Scripture Psalm 37:4 being fulfilled. “Delight thyself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart." It has been a long time coming, but I am more ready now than I would have been raising children and God knew that. This is His perfect timing.
For these reasons, at age 58, I am proud to be a HAWK!
Patricia Campbell
