5 /5 Linda Langdon: Returning to school in my fifties was not an easy decision. I had over seven years invested in a fine arts degree with many credits incomplete, and a 25 year cosmetology/teaching career that could no longer support my educational goals, or myself in this economy. My home was foreclosed on, I was unemployed, and abandoned by my ex-husband. I was scared. Faced with few choices and little time to make an informed decision about my future, I sought help through the VA. Thanking God and myself for having served, I learned there are choices! The Obama administration had recently implemented Heroes for Hire and the VRAP program for unemployed US Veterans aged 35-60. I was 54. Selecting VA approved colleges in the area became easier when I made the choice on a career in law. Key college offered a sweet paralegal program, and all the support and encouragement I needed to work and study for two of the hardest and best years of my life. I wish to thank Deans Ron Dooley and Regina King Dooley for their guidance, encouragement, and confidence. I had never attended a private college, yet I wanted a campus experience, rather than online studies.
Through my academic studies, I formed what I believe to be lifelong friendships with fellow students and the faculty. We all encouraged one another to succeed. My core classes were smaller, sometimes two other students, and sometimes just myself and my law professor, Mr. Parmelee. The challenges are tough when it is one on one! I worked and worked, and worked again until I got it right. Without question I would recommend Key College for its top notch Court Reporting school, Medical, and Paralegal studies. As I graduate, I want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Dooley, Traci, Mr. Berk Parmelee, Mr. Gee, Julie Klitzner, and Doctoral Candidate, Sherri Tennesee for the best campus experience one can hope to have. Thank you!!!
