Bobbie Cook of Daphne, Alabama is a proud (fiftyish) mom of two children, Alan (30) recently married and Erin (20) also a college student - currently at Faulkner State.  She works at WESCO Gas & Welding Supply, Inc. as the Accounts Payable Administrator and has been there for six years.  She said, "I love my job!  WESCO is a great company to work for and I plan to retire from this company." 

A couple of years ago, Bobbie decided to go back to school and finish getting her degree.  She started by taking one class per semester, understanding it would take a while to get her degree.  She enrolled at Huntingdon College and began working on a Business Management degree through their Adult Degree Completion Program.

Bobbie said, "At first, I was very intimidated about being one of the oldest students in my classes but then I just accepted it as a sort of 'new normal.'  I would joke with those 'kids' in my class about getting my degree before I retired.  I should graduate from Huntingdon College in the summer of 2013….still a few years away from retirement!" 

She also said, "It has been difficult at times, like my jumping right into Pre-calculus without having had a math class in forty years!  And, there have been trade offs because I am constantly having to decide what I am willing to trade to spend time in class and studying.  One thing that I have not hesitated to trade off is housework - spending less time with my family is a harder one to justify."  Her hard work has paid off though, Bobbie was awarded the James A. Turner, Jr. Memorial Scholarship.  She was the only woman to win a national level scholarship. 

Bobbie had this to say about winning the scholarship, "I was thrilled when I was awarded the James A. Turner, Jr. Memorial Scholarship through the American Welding Society Foundation.  I was the only woman to win a national level scholarship last year which was an additional honor.  I am thankful for the support and encouragement I have received from the management at WESCO and from the AWS Foundation."

Bobbie is an inspiration for adults out there who are contemplating returning to school...it's never too late!■