At 44 I decided to go back to college and earned my Associates of Applied Science in Accounting. I had been a highly skilled Licensed Optician in Virginia for 28 years, it was time for a change.I became an Optician out of necessity. I had 2 small children who I needed to provide for. As a very young mother at 16 it was very important to set an example for my children. The opportunity to work in the optical industry presented its self and I jumped at the chance. I became an optician apprentice and 2 years later I had completed all of my requirements. I took the the written and practical licensing exams scoring above average on both. I had a full career as an Optician working in a laboratory, private and commercial practices as a assistant manager, manager and a head optician. The decision in 2015 to go back college wasn’t an easy one. So many unknowns, would I be able to afford to? As a single mom again with a 11 year old would I have time? How am I going to work full time, go to school full time and be a full time mom? When will I have time for homework? In the end I decided it was time. I had always wanted to work in accounting and if not now then when? I graduated in 2018 but had a good paying job as an Optician so I was reluctant to switch fields. It would take some time to match the salary that I was making. In 2021 I applied to my current position as an Accounts Payable Specialist. I wish I hadn’t waited so long. I’ve learned so much and look forward to seeing where my new career takes me. Update I will have earned my second degree by the end of the fall semester an Associates in Business Administration. Then it’s on to my Bachelor’s.I’m so excited for the future.