Smart Person

Growing up, I never considered myself a "smart" person.  I had to study my ass off for each test that was given, work like hell for each grade that I got.  This inability to identify with being intelligent stemmed from the realization that my older sister was so extremely brilliant.  She could waltz into any exam and bust out an A+ without having ever cracked open a book.  She could spout off information verbatim, on a subject she had only read about, one time, five years ago.  She didn't have to think, she just knew things.  She is still that way.

Although I questioned my intelligence, and constantly compared my intellect with that of my sister, I chose to bust my ass and work like hell.  I never stopped going to school.  I have been to more colleges and have completed more units/hours then the average person.  And while degrees and educational experience do not always dictate one's level of intelligence, for me, going to school allowed for my light to shine.

I grew up in a religion where advanced education was frowned upon.  Perhaps they believed that it would put ideas into one's head contrary to religious teachings.  Despite that obstacle,  my family was (and has been) nothing but encouraging.  I then married a man who was/is beyond supportive of myself and my pursuits.  I must be honest, growing up, graduate school was not something that I ever even contemplated.  I think that if I hadn't married Jeryd, I might not have pursued it at all.  I will forever be grateful and give him credit for the push that he gave me....for the belief he had in me.  I could not have done it without him.