Karen Schmid:  

Life 11/06/07 Well I graduated early by finishing my senior requirements in the second semester of my Junior year and graduated with the class of 1973. After graduation I started to work and began college in the fall of '73 attending Prince Georges community college. I was working on an associates degree in recreation. I later transferred to U of MD at college park and ended up dropping out in my second semester of my 2nd year at college. I moved away from home when I was 17 and began working and paying bills that I amassed by living away from home, buying a car, ect. I did many things to become self supporting. I learned through life experience. In 1981 I enrolled at Towson State University and received my B.S. in Psychology in 1986. I then began my graduate studies at U of MD at Baltimore, in the School of Social Work. I aquired my masters in clinical social work in January of 1990. I also began working for the federal government in 1976. I began as a clerk typist for the Department of Justice in D.C. I worked throughout my studies at both Towson and U of MD at Baltimore. After receiving my social work degree, I left my position as an assistant administrative officer for FDA. I was then hired as a clinical social worker for the Department of Veterans Affairs. I bought my first home in Baltimore in the Highlandtown area. In 2003 I retired early with almost 24 years of federal service under my belt. In 1998 I was exploring a web site that discussed alternative health issues. I met my current partner in that "chat room". At the end of August 2006, I elected to rent my house out and store my belongings to move to New Zealand to be with my "Kiwi" partner. I moved myself and my 2 cats, one dog as well. I am currently working on a work visa/work permit as a mental health community support worker with hopes of finding work as a social worker again soon. My partner is a bio-chemist and works in the wine industry here in New Zealand. We both are ...Expand for more