I was and still am the first and only member of my immediate family to graduate with a college degree, actually three degrees. My college began at Central Missouri State University, actually a college when I started, but re-named. I wanted to be a Teacher. I had worked with children all my teen years and knew I would be successful. I only went to college for the first semester to see if I could make the grade. I did and went on to earn a B.S and M.S. from now University of Central Missouri, and the crown jewel, an Education Specialist degree from U.M.K.C.
I never knew I would get a degree, and yet I got three. U.M.K.C. was a difficult school to get accepted to and to succeed in. I took a sabbatical from the Kansas City Public Schools, where I had been employed for 7 years. I almost failed two classes dealing with Statistics and had a challenging student-teaching experience at Westport Junior High School. But I graduated and went on to be certified as a teacher, principal, K-12, and Superintendent of Schools. My career changed over and over as I went from teaching to administration to Healthcare Administration and Administrative work in prisons. I am the American Dream in action, now very retired but still dreaming.
I know that UMKC made a significant difference in my personal and professional life. I made some mistakes in my life, but UMKC and the training I received and guidance I received helped me weather those times. Thank you, UMKC.
Lawrence A Pulos