Free Speech 2u

Some of The History~Story Behind Why I'm Doing This~

Despite numerous obstacles, many of them medical, I managed to obtain the credentials I was told were necessary to get a job and I truly believed my efforts would pay off. However, this has only ended in great disappointment and hard feelings! Below is a brief and incomplete chronological overview of what I have endured and what my efforts were.

At the age of 16 I dropped out of the public school system. I was told by the school personnel that I would never amount to anything and I would be dead by the age of 20!

At the age of 25 I fell into the belief that education would net me a job so I decided to get my high school diploma. This, unfortunately, did not help.

At the age of 28 I decided to get a college degree because I, again, fell into the belief that this was the missing link to getting a job. Wrong again!

At 38 I figured I would try getting specific and enrolled in one of the top medical transcription training programs. Two years later (it took me longer due to illnesses and more) I graduated from the program with high honors. We, the students, were told that we could earn as much as a 6 figure income our first year if we graduated with high honors. Strike Three!!!

Instead of landing a job and making some money to help support my family, I owe nearly $70,000 in student loans that I, as it appears, will never be able to repay.

Academic Achievements 1990--2007:

1992--High School Diploma (dropped out at 16).

1998--AA Degree in Fine Art.

2002--BA Degree in Fine Art with Honors-emphasis in painting & photography; minor in Journalism.

2007--Cirtificate of Graduation with High Honors--Medical Transcription--Career Step.

Academic Awards, Honors and More:

1992--Most Perservering.

1998--Who' Who Among Students In American Junior Colleges.

1999--Who's Who Among Students In American Junior Colleges.

2000--Inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda (A National Honor Society for Adult Learners in Continuing Education).

2001--Research & Academic Affairs Grant--University of Nevada, Reno (one of the first artists to receive).

2001--Betsy Caughlin Donnelly Scholarship--College of Arts & Science--University of Nevada, Reno.

2003--Who's Who In Executives & Professionals.

2004--The National Dean's List.

Work Study Experience:

Cashier/short-order cook--Rogers University Student Union Snack Bar.

KNPB Channel 5, Reno--Production Assistant/Camera Operator/More.

The Shadowlands (movie starring Gary Busey)--Production Assistant/Lighting.

I have also managed to become a National and International award winning Fine Artist.

Brief/Incomplete List of Awards, Publications, Shows & More:

1996 Pryor Area Arts & Humanities Council Art Show--Peoples Choice Award--Pryor, OK.
1997 Art Association Mural Project--Original fire station in Claremore, OK.
1999 'Things of Beauty' Art Show & Auction--Fundraiser for homeless children--Reno, NV.
2000 University of Nevada, Reno Student Art Show--First Place/Painting--Reno, NV.
2001 Revolutionary Visions: Artists Against Oppression--UNR/JTSU Lounge--Reno, NV.
2002 "A Visual Autobiography of Abuse & Neglect"--Senior Solo Show--McNamara Gallery/UNR--Reno, NV.
2003 Barn Again! Traveling Exhibition--Nevada Humanities Council/Smithsonian--Nevada.
2003 "Women, Trauma & Visual Expression"--Chicago, IL.
2004 Women In Photography International/International Online Juried Exhibition--Virtual*Visual--'Best Things'.
2004 Coordinated/Curated--Disenting Opinions 2--Blue Lion Art Gallery--Reno, NV.

Click here to view my full portfolio... Click here to view 'A Visual Autobiography of Abuse & Neglect'

One of the best things I ever did was take Tae Kwon Do. Not only was I at my most healthy point, but I learned self control and leadership skills! I joined the Black Belt Club, became a member of the S.W.A.T. Team, and was an assistant instructor. Unfortunately, I sustained a major injury while I was practicing for the Blue-Black Belt test and I was done.

Event: Tae Kwon Do Intramural Competition

"Martial Artists Against Drugs & Alcohol"

San Jose, California

1989-1990

School: West Coast Tae Kwon Do-Sunnyvale, California

Master Instructor: Terri Lee

I was awarded this second place medal as an orange belt by Ernie Reyes Jr. I competed in forms and tied for first place five times against someone two belts ahead of me (I had competed in forms as a White Belt and failed, but I received kudos for being the first White Belt to try).

Event: Tae Kwon Do Intramural Competition

Cupertino, California

1991-1992

School: West Coast Tae Kwon Do-Sunnyvale, California

Master Instructor: Terri Lee

I was awarded this first place medal for forms as a yellow belt. I had a cast on my right lower leg at the time.

Event: West Coast Tae Kwon Do Intramural Competition

Santa Clara, California

1992

School: West Coast Tae Kwon Do-Sunnyvale, California

Master Instructor: Terri Lee

I was awarded this second place medal for sparring. There was controversy over the final outcome as I beat everyone I fought against, but due to their 'Round-robin' rules I was only able to get second place (at one point, I had been told that I didn't even place).

One of the biggest obtacles I had to overcome was being removed from the women's classes and being placed in the men's classes because the other women complained that I was "too intense" for them.

I always question what I believe is wrong, and

I am most motivated when I am told that I cannot do something!

Behind the inspiration~My wonderful husband, our beautiful children, our family members, our friends and fellow Americans that have been kind enough to share their stories!

"The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace and brotherhood." Martin Luther King, Jr.

A drawing of Princess Diana I did in one of my basic drawing classes in July, 1998.

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