Hi folks,

Well, it has finally happened….

After years of working my butt of in various jobs, working for others, doing hard and dangerous work, and not focusing my energy enough in the proper directions (at least in my mind sometimes), I have accomplished something that, at times, I never thought would really happen.

As of tonight, I am a college graduate. I received my Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronic Media Production and Operations (aka broadcasting), graduating with HIGH HONORS (3.89 GPA). I have never worked harder on something than I have on these classes and two degrees. Tonight is the first one. A year from now is the second Associates of Applied Science degree, in web design. Then, we’ll go for at least ONE more…a bachelors of science degree in emergency management, with a minor in public safety telecommunications.

I worked multiple part time jobs the past two years to make ends meet. I also spent a LOT of time doing extracurricular activities with, and for, the student body, serving in officer positions in 4 different clubs at the same time. As of this past spring, I become one of 12 student senators on campus. For the coming year (2005/2006) I have been voted in as the student body senate vice president, which is a very nice way to recognize a little hard work on my part.

I’ve gotten this far, using a little savings, every dollar I could squeeze from the government in full pell grants, fixing fellow students computers in my spare time for gas money, some very helpful scholarships this past year, and for next year, and a very positive attitude based on this…if I can do this, after I’ll have had to go through the past few years, and succeed…then ANYONE can. Just don’t give up…and don’t be afraid to seek out those who can and want to help you.

Without my fellow tutors, classmates, teachers, some amazing faculty help, and of course the support of my family, of which my wife, daughter, and both sons have taken college courses during this same time, all of this would have never happened.

I also want to thank all of you here on my SurvivalRing and other email lists. Your support these past couple of years, and even for years BEFORE I came back to college, gave me the strength, the knowledge, and ability, and the drive….to just GO FOR IT.

Each of the degrees I am working on, are ALL specific to one thing…and one thing only. That is making the SurvivalRing web site, its resources, its reach, and its offerings bigger, and better, and more useful for everyone, with every passing month.

Check the web site homepage and see my first video productions, online. This summer, keep an ear out for my upcoming Family Preparedness online radio show. And throughout the coming months and years, look for an ever-increasing set of more online documents coming your way.

I’m getting these degrees NOT to work for someone else. I’m getting these degree to CONTINUE to create new information, resources, and educational life saving materials for YOU…and your families. It is as simple as that.

Again, thanks to all of you for your long time support. I hope that I will be seeing more of you online and maybe in person someday, as my work continues.

Rich
A.A.S. Electronic Media Production
Class of 2005!

My professor Dale Smith announced all the graduates…here I am waiting for him to call my name so I can dash across the stage.

Here is Professor Dale and I before the processions begin. I am now the new student operations manager for the college radio station, as well as a continuing broadcast assistant at Wyoming Public TV as one of the Master Control Operators.

Just a shot of me in front the flag! (for those that are wondering, the blue and gold cords, the gold sash, the gold tassel are all Honors regalia for my being a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The gold ribbon with the large bronze medallion are an officer ornament for my position as President of the Alpha Lambda Chi Chapter of the PTK, here at Central Wyoming College!)

…and finally, a nice picture, standing outside, with the Rockies…..WAY in the background (actually, the big mountains are on the other side of the building from us)

Rich