Stephanie Drake:
CLASS OF 1971
Clinton Prairie High SchoolClass of 1971
Frankfort, IN
Polk Community CollegeClass of 1996
Winter haven, FL
Stephanie's Story
LIFE
MY LIFE:....After graduating from high school I moved with my family to a rural community in Indiana, where I met my husband (now married 47 years) where we farmed and raised our two sons. Over 30 years ago we moved to Florida and in 2014, we moved to Colorado. We loved Colorado, but after Bob fully retired, we headed for Charleston, SC for a few years, then moved back to Florida in 2020. We are like rolling stones, always looking for a new adventure.
We have been blessed with 2 amazing sons, special daughter-in-laws and four grandchildren. Both of our sons have had military careers. Our oldest son retired after 20 years of service in the Army. He is now a soccer coach for Vista Ridge H.S. In Colorado Springs. Our youngest son is a Master Sergeant for the Air Force in San Antonio, TX, and recently transferred to Warner Robbins, Georgia.. Our boys have provided us a great outlet for travel as they have lived in Germany, England, Alaska, and Japan. Our oldest son served in Bosnia and Iraq. Our youngest son served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Interestingly, my husband (a Vietnam Vet), kept his foot in the military door, and along with his regular job as a deputy sheriff, he retired after 20 years from the National Guard. Bob was a SSG over a medic unit. So...I guess you could say we have lived parallel worlds; one in the normal 8 to 5 world, and one in the military world.
Needless to say, life has never been boring, and in a constant state of change. BUT...WOW...where does the time go? All in all, we have had a terrific life, filled with adventure, always with one foot out the door, and one foot planted safely in the confines of family and home.
SCHOOL
SCHOOL:...What can I say about high school? Would I change things if I could do it all over again? Probably not, because all of those experiences have made me who I am today. What I remember most about high school is all the great people with whom I shared those "learning years." When I think about those "learning years," I think about that not only in terms of education (book learning), but also think about it in terms of "life learnin...Expand for more
g". Some lessons were easily learned, and other lessons were learned the hard way. The key word here is "learned." Each experience brought me to a new understanding, so I am grateful for the whole experience.
COLLEGE
COLLEGE.....Going back to college as an older student was an experience,and one I enjoyed greatly. My attitude toward learning had definitely matured from my high school days. I found the younger students, just out of high school, used me as a resource, as they knew I had probably "been there, done that." Getting my Associates Degree in 1996 was a goal I achieved which added a special element to my life.
I would encourage anyone (no matter what age) to continue their education. I wish I would have gone on for my BA....and who knows, maybe I'll be the oldest student and go back some day.
WORKPLACE
WORK:...Throughout my life I have worked in many different areas. I was very lucky because I would acquire a job to adapt to whatever was needed for our family at the time. So...a career never really formulated. Sometimes I think I missed that opportunity of having a career, and other times I am grateful for the many experiences surrounding the work I have done throughout the years. The most exciting job I had during my lifetime was working as production/programming assistant at a TV station. I have worked in the banking industry and in schools as a teachers aide. I have worked as a secretary for the Vice President of a hospital. I worked out of my home as a medical transcriptionist for many years with a company out of New York City. Probably my favorite job of all those mentioned was being a Mom. Just recently I retired and who knows what I will do next......
MILITARY
MILITARY:...Well, I have not been in the military, but I am a military wife. For years, this fact was as the wife of a Vietnam veteran, keeping his foot in the National Guard. No matter what your politics, being a mother and wife of two sons and a husband who have served their country proudly is truly an honor. I thank God for all the soldiers I have known in my life, and humbly say thank you to each one!
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