I decided after 10 years in the work force I would return to school. It was not a hard decision to make because I had already made up my mind about it. It was however hard to quite my job of 10 years and leave my work family. I had to give up alot just so I would get to go to school. I had to give up a steady paycheck, health insurance, and putting money into my 401K plan. I had to convince myself to do this by quitting work without thinking about the consequences, and by moving out of state this summer. I am originally from Arkansas. I grew up there all my life, so to leave it was difficult. The reason for this drastic change in my life, stem from different areas. I knew the job I had wasn't were I wanted to be. I had bigger dreams for myself. My whole personality changed for the better around a year ago. I'm more outspoken and I feel more confidence in myself to accomplish anything I want too. My life changed around August 15, 2003. I had decided after a lifetime of being morbidly overweight I would have a gastric bypass. I did it for my health and for me personally. It has been a year now and I have lost one hundred fifteen pounds. My whole outlook on life has changed. I am a whole lot healthier, and I feel better about myself. That is the reason I decided to stop making excuses and go to college. I knew it would be difficult after being out so long, but I knew I could handle it. I am determined to succeed at this, so I can get the job I have always wanted. I want to be a Counselor for people with any kind of problems. I have always loved helping people because its in my blood. My mother passed it down to me. I just pray that some day I will help someone to change their life for the better.