During the years of 1978 and 1980, I was a teen single mother trying to juggle 2 children, a job (on occasion 2 jobs) and school to provide for my children without any assistance. It was my desire to further my education in order for me to provide a better life for my children; however, it became overwhelming and I had to drop out both times. The desire was still in me so I attempted again to further my education in 1986 and 1988 after my children became school age. Sadly, during that time, I was involved in an abusive relationship and that caused me to lose my self-esteem and I practically wanted to give up on everything. However, my children gave me the strength and the determination and I was fortunate to escape that abusive relationship.
