The Lion's Pride Volume 9 (January 2018) | Page 23

Personal Investments
Brooke Flaten
I'm beginning my second term at LWTech after an eight-year gap in my
education. This essay was a personal narrative assignment in ENG 99.
It's a snap-shot of my career experiences without a college education
and how I was lead to LWTech.
“If you're able to attend college in the future, you could always
schedule classes at night so you can be ‘on time’” said my senior high
school principal. My mother and I just sat there, stunned, from across his
desk. It was four months until graduation, but I was unsure if I would
pass my classes in order to receive my diploma. However, I didn't know
who to turn to for guidance. I fully admit I dug this hole myself but,
looking back, what support did I have? After graduation I went on to
work dead-end jobs, and not complete any college credits because
making an income in that moment was more important than dreaming of
other options. I was determined that I could earn experience and be
successful without any additional education.
In my early twenties I was hired with a large technology company,
finally feeling accomplished. The majority of my friends were
overwhelmed with college and writing papers; and I had stock options.
Starting out at the bottom, I could see that with taking intentional steps I
could stay long term and really build my career. After a year of going
through the motions it was clear what areas of my skills needed
improvement in order for me to succeed.