Wow! This is an amazing chance for all of us to share our stories. Stories that might be an inspiration to help others from making big decisions like leaving school during your younger years, or not going back for reasons of being scared, overwhelmed, or just stubborn. Many people just say they are too old, but really you are never too old for education. Second chances don't come around very often but when it comes to school, those chances open a whole new world you just have to go after it. This is my Story, of my second chance.
My name is Carrie Morrison, and I am currently enrolled as a mature student in the ALP program at NSCC, Marconi Campus. My story began when I was in Junior High, I wanted to be a police officer when I graduated, but was soon told I was too short. That put a damper on my dreams and school didn't interest me in any other way. So after spending 2 years in grade 7 and 2 years in grade 8 when I reached grade 9, and turned 16, I walked into school for my very last time. Something I have regretted ever since. When I told my mom, she was very disappointed with me and said I was not going to be hanging around not doing anything with my LIFE. I was told I had to find a job or enrol myself in a trade that I might be interested in. That's the day I started with the customer service industry in food and retail.
At the age of 21 I became a mother, of a wonderful baby boy on Jan.22, 1990. I had entered another whole new world of learning. How to raise a son on my own shuffling with child care, working, meals and alone time with my son. My son is 19 today, and has turned out to be a very respectful, loving, considerate, young man who graduated last year from Riverview Rural High, and is now attending UCB in communications. He wants to be a police officer. It's amazing what you're able to learn from your children as they grow up. Wanting to give him a good life I knew I had to do something with mine. I enrolled in a Hospitality course in 1991, and from there I worked in that field for the next 20 years. I have enjoyed every moment learning new things everyday, and especially teaching others what I have learned. The hospitality industry is a very fulfilling job because you learn and meet new people everyday, but there has always been a void. That void was not finishing school.
I tried doing the GED, but that did not work. I needed the discipline of a classroom to help me focus as a student. When my son graduated I wanted him to look at me the same way I felt for him on that day. Full of pride and joy, on, his great accomplishment. That is what brings me here today. I enrolled in the ALP program for the second intake on Sept. 29, 2009. Which, ironically is 24 years, and, 1 day from the day I quit in Junior High. On that day my 40th birthday I was very nervous, and overwhelmed but soon became comfortable and relaxed. It is amazing how the faculty and other students can calm you down. When our studies started I found the younger students right there to encourage you and help you along. As a mature student the atmosphere being in the ALP program is so different and rewarding from when I was younger it makes you want to learn. The journey of my life will continue through the years to come in education and life experiences learning new things and opening new doors. We all have hope and dreams, but EDUCATION is the greatest human achievement to stand up for and Applause yourself and others who want to learn. Thank you for hearing my story, and I have much respect for all educators out there, it's an honour to LEARN from you.