Paula Pond:  

Life My life went pretty smoothly for a long time. Went to SIU, graduated in my four years as planned when I was a tiny tot. Got a degree in Administration of Justice (criminal justice). Of course, I had no desire to actually work at that point. So after a year of messing around and partying, I decided I better get serious. Got a job at the Whiteside County Court Services Department (probation). It was a dream job. Married my prince charming in 1990, got promoted to a supervisor, had my first son in 1993, my second in 1996 (now 11 & 13). Life was grand. Got promoted to the big cheese of my department in 1997. Things kinda went spirling downward after that. Being director was a fabulous job but it was tough in a man's world. I accomplished quite a bit and was proud of my work. My prince charming and I grew apart and I divorced him in September of 2001. If you don't already know it, divorce is a very ugly, cold, hideous experience even if you are the one who wants it. One year later, I lost my 17-yr career in a very painful, political way. 40-year old single mom, 2 growing boys, a mortgage, a car and life. I stumbled through the next two years. I couldn't find a job to save my soul. I lived on unemployment and substitute teaching for the first year. As a parent, it was the best year of my life. Perfect...Expand for more