Ronald Swackhammer:
CLASS OF 1972
Walnut Ridge High SchoolClass of 1972
Columbus, OH
Ivy Technical State College - Central IndianaClass of 2007
Indianapolis, IN
Ivy Technical State College - Central IndianaClass of 2006
Indianapolis, IN
Johnson Park Junior High SchoolClass of 1969
Columbus, OH
Pinecrest Elementary SchoolClass of 1966
Columbus, OH
Ronald's Story
Life and Family
After high school, I married Shelly Blair (W.R. Class of "74") and we've been together for 35 years now. In addition, we have four daughters (Sharon 32, Cyndy 29, Jean 27 and Katherine 21) and ten grandchildren: Nickolas, Melanie, Tyler, Alexis, Haley, Anna, Lucas, Laura, Johnathan, and Kristyn with ages ranging from three to nine years old.
After high school I joined the U.S. Army and departed with three years of active duty/reserve time. During my reserve time, I also worked as a machine operator for National Electric Coil. Also, I loaded trailers for a few trucking companies on the weekends. I really got to like the trucking industry. Currently, I've been employed as a professional tractor-trailer driver with Roadway Express, Inc., for 30 years. In addition, I'm a hazardous materials facilitator, certified defensive driving instructor, and I coordinate public speaking events on motor vehicle safety (1996-2005). In addition, I have an excellent job with great pay, great benefits, and a great retirement, so I got lucky that things turned out the way they did. One must carve their own path into this world and be willing to do what it takes to make things happen. I'm looking forward to retiring from my current employer and moving on to a new career that will allow me to spend more time at home with my family.
Currently, I'm enrolled at Indiana University-Perdue University at Indianapolis, IN and majoring in General Studies. The courses I'm taking and those required for my three minors will blend well with my Paralegal degree (Associate) I received from Ivy Tech Community College (May, 2006). Going to college is fun but stressful with a full-time job but it will be worth it when I graduate with my second degree. In addition, I have my graduation timed with my retirement in 2009 and I'll only be 55 with a 32-year pension earned from my current employer. I'm excited about a career change and going on to do something else in life that I will enjoy as much as my current profession.
Overall, I think that getting your education while you're young is much easier when you have fewer responsibilities. But there are advantages to attending college for the first time as an older adult.
Furthermore, I'm glad in a way that I waited to go to college even though it's more difficult to manage time for both family, work, and school. I feel I got more out of it now than I would have...Expand for more
as a teenager. Likewise, sometimes I wished that I had completed college after high school, especially during exams. Sometimes it seems like the brain doen't work as well. But I did alright and made the Dean's list eight times at Ivy Tech!
My wife, Shelly, attended OSU during 1991 and 1992 until our transfer to St. Louis. She was enrolled in the nursing program and the move put all of that on hold. In 2000, we moved to Camby, Indiana just south of Indianapolis. She loves working with children and shares the position of Asst. Director Designee for a large daycare provider. Shelly is currently enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College majoring in Child Development and is a little more than halfway done in completing her degree work. Shelly just received her "Child Development Associate" from the Council for Professional Recognition (Washington, D.C.) for her completed work in the CDA National Credentialing Program (June, 2008).
Our two oldest daughters, Sharon (32) and Cyndy (29), attended college while living in Missouri. Sharon is going back to school to earn a degree as a Pharmacy Technician. Cyndy is currently enrolled at Ivy Tech Community College majoring in Criminal Justice. Jean (27) attended Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis and is in her third year but has put this on hold while finishing up some other classes (junior). She is working to earn a degree in special education for children and is currently taking courses for Child Development. Katherine (21) is an honor student and has just completed her third year at the University of Indianapolis majoring in Mathematics.
Moreover, I have a great wife and family along with a trail of grandchildren! There is so much going on all the time and you wonder how to find time to keep up with all the special events, activities, personal goals and so on, but we always seem to and time goes by so quick. It's kind of like the days of old, one day you're in junior high and then high school and the next thing you know, 30 plus years have passed. Life certainly presents many challenges, hurdles, and strange twists sometimes, but you got to love it. I really enjoy visiting this website. Since I joined, I've been in touch with so many old friends and classmates from Johnson Park, Walnut Ridge and even a few from Pinecrest Elementary. It's fun to here about how well others have done throughout life.
Best of luck to everyone!
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