I am a rising Senior at UNCC majoring in Special Education. I wear many hats as a wife, a mom, a co-worker, a student, and a friend. I have been married for 22 years and we have four beautiful teenagers. Our 17 year old son was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect so not only do I have experience on a personal level with special education but on a professional level. I have been working as a teacher assistant in the Exceptional Children's department for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools for the past 11 years. Three years ago my co-worker encouraged me to go back to school to finish my college degree that I started thirty years ago. The past few years have been challenging trying to balance all of the hats that I listed above but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. As I enter into my last year at UNCC and will be starting my student teacher placement in the fall the excitement of this huge accomplishment is building by the day. I cannot wait to walk across that stage and accept my diploma knowing that all the tears, stress, and hard work finally paid off. No one will be more proud of this achievement than myself.
Conni's Advice: No matter at what age you begin your journey, I encourage you to work hard and strive to meet your goal. We all have had obstacles in our lives that throw us a curveball but you just need to persevere. It will all be worth it in the end.