Roberta Hartung Bryan - A.A.S. Gerontology Graduate

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end" ~ Seneca.
It's official! Last Friday, June 15, 2012 I walked across the stage at the Memorial Coliseum and received my degree. I am very proud of myself and I knew from the beginning that I would indeed walk across that stage.


I even had postage stamps made of moi to mail out my announcements (thank you Janice for this wonderful idea)!


It all began a couple of years ago when I had signed up for a community education class called "Your Brain + Neuroplasticity" being taught by Cat Zimmerman. It was a class about keeping your brain nimble and quick as you age. She also talked about her own path and returning to school in her 50's.


About six months later I was up at the college getting Mandii signed in and asked what it would take to get enrolled into their Gerontology program. I would soon find the comfort of Jan Abushakrah's office with she and Tina inside.



I decided to get my Math out of the way first off (the only B I ever got-phft!) along with starting an art a day board dedicated to only school adventures.
Then it was on to the interesting classes and internships (10 internships had to be completed). I loved the Gerontology, Psychology, Sociology, Geography classes along with "most" of the internships. My favorite internship was at The Neighborhood House (Senior Center and Aging Services) and I chose to stay on as a volunteer there after my internship ended ~ it's where I met Eddie Lim and Stanley Kiesel, and it's where I came across my new scooter!



I would graduate Phi Theta Kappa and my Mother Mabel presented me with my honor cords to wear graduation night.



As graduation neared I heard from other students about the Stole Of Gratitude. It is a stole you present to a special person in your life that has provided invaluable emotional, moral or financial support. I had many cheerleaders throughout this adventure. The person I chose to receive the Stole Of Gratitude from me was Stan. Many nights he would watch The Blazers on mute so that I could read and study. He would proofread my papers and re-proofread my papers. There was never a day that we was not cheering me on.




So with my Wonder Woman converse tennies on, I proudly walked across that stage, the one I had written about years before on one of my very first art pieces.




Graduation night was spent celebrating with family and friends as well as the following day.















I will forever feel blessed that I took that first community education class that would unknowingly lead me down the gerontology path. And that path would bring me so many new things and ideas to learn about, new friends to meet and places to be. Thank you Cat for being the catalyst and remember you all....to fill out your Advance Directive!!