I Am So Excited Today You Can Make It, by Dr. Mabel J. Swaby

I retired from education in 2005 after 25 years. I am still in amazed at how God lead me a direction that brought me pure joy during my educational endeavors I dropped out of school at the age of 16 and worked for 2 weeks, then started my journey into what would be a life altering experience. I had my first son at 18 years old; by the time I was 27 years old I was widowed with 4 children. I recall the day my last child was born, It was two weeks later that my husband was killed in a tractor trailer accident, One week later my mom died.

This was the point that my life began to change, I had not yet given my life to the Lord, but as I look back I realize that God's love for me was what brought me thought. Well, during this time I begin to assess my life and started to make goals. My children were now 4 weeks old, 5, 6, and 9 years old. I cannot explain how I was able to keep going, but I thank God that I did.

It was 2 years later that I enrolled in a college program for nursing which offered day care for my young daughter, as I earned my GED. I always scheduled my classes to coincide with the hours my children were in school. This was the beginning of what would be an exciting educational road in my life. I completed my 2 year college program and earned my AA Degree (I was 33) in Early Childhood Education, I then continued in a four college and earned my BA Degree in Early Childhood. (I was 36). I was able to teach my first year out of college; I was amazed at how my life changed and how many people helped me along the way.

I moved my family to another state where my brother lived and was able to find a job teaching in one year, I enjoyed the student and strived to be the best teacher possible. "I was even selected as teacher of the year". After teaching for 13 years I went back to college and earned my Master's Degree and Certification in Leadership and Instructional Leadership was more than excited.

Once I earned my Masters Degree I became an Instructional Specialist with my own office, My Job was to make sure that the teacher had all they need to teach their students with other duties assigned by the principal. After twenty-five years I retired from the school system. (I had committed my life to the Lord about 15 years earlier) That was not the end of my educational road. I became a certificated Temperament Counselor, a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor and I earned a Doctorate in Christian Counseling.

Now, one might think I was through, but I was not, God would lead me in a different direction.

I began volunteering. six months after I retired I began volunteering as (CASA) Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children. I found myself once again in a classroom, for training. I have been able to make a difference in the lives of these children; they are children that are placed in foster care. Two years later I became a volunteer Legal Advocate for Victims of Domestic Violence. I help them fill out restraining orders and at times go to court with them for support. As a volunteer I get great pleasure from helping the children. I am the one person that remains with them until they are placed in a permanent placement, returned home to their parents, or they age out (Become 18 years old). I am now 63 and as I look back at my life I realize that with the help of God and caring people running along side me encouraging me and cheering me on.

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