Every week I re-evaluate my decision to attend college at a less than traditional age.  For me, it comes down to two things: my family and my heart.  I want to set a great example for my children so they pursue higher educaction and work toward rewarding lives for themselves. I also want to have the means to provode for my wife and children to the greatest of my ability. I want to have those memories that last a lifetime, and a college degree will hepl put me into the financial position to do so.

The other, perhaps equally inportant reason is that I believe I have found my calling in life.  I want to be a health care provider at Mayo Clinic, an institution that I believe does and will continue to lead the world in health care.  I truly want to be a valuable part of this institution, and feel that I have much to offer.  Beginning college after my tenure in the military is the first step.

While I was a medic in the Army, our motto was:"so that others may live."  Dr. Mayo's words "The needs of the patients are the only ones in which to be considered," move me deeply, and serve as one of my may motivating factors for entering college.