My name is Sandy Lieseke; I am a 61 year old High School Graduate. Asked to write my success story, I thought, I don’t have a success story. Then I remembered a saying I saw recently, “If you’re lucky enough to be at the beach… you’re lucky enough”. I love that saying. When I first saw it, I thought of everyone and everything in my life that has caused me to be lucky enough. Back in the day, I put the cart before the horse, you could say. Before finishing school, I started my family. Of course, I planned on finishing school it just took me a little longer than expected. Ok a lot longer. My 83 year old Mother, bless her heart never stopped saying “I wish you and your Father could have finished school”. I did too, thank you Mom.
I was up late one night and saw an advertisement on TV. The ad was for Ashworth College and James Madison High School. The ad said it was accredited in my State. I jumped up right then and took the number down. The next morning I called. As they say, the rest is history. No way. There was so much more.
The more I studied, the more I wanted to study. Then it got to the point that that's all I wanted to do. It was fun! Well most of the time. Where did this come from? I never liked school that much anyway, I didn’t need an education. I will never use it. (Excuses I had been telling myself for over 40 years). Not true. I have already used what I have learned. I was able help one of my four granddaughters with getting started in her writing for school. I have had one grandson beat me to graduation; the other is coming up fast. It doesn’t matter where your stage is or how fast you finish or who beats you there. What matters is that you make it to the stage.
I have been “lucky enough” many times over in my life. Seeing that ad that night has made a lifelong dream come true for me (and my Mother), with the help, support and constant encouragement of the love of my life Paul, family, best friends, the many great teachers, students and Ashworth College and James Madison High School. Thank you! all. What an amazing feeling. It sure wasn’t easy all the time but, oh so worth it.
“Lucky enough” you bet I am. Done being lucky enough? I know now I will never be done. I hope you won’t be either. Never, ever give up no matter how long it takes.
