Forgive me while I take just a moment to blow my own horn (hey, I don’t get that many opportunities to do so, so better make the most of it) ;-) : I passed my course, and so gained admittance to first year degree studies at the University of Toronto. The better news is, I passed with a 77% (B+) - (not bad for having messed up on the final exam), and in doing so, achieved the opportunity to attend full time, should I so choose. (You had to achieve 73% or better to be able to do so). I actually got the good news while standing on the steep and ancient streets of Riomaggiore, Italy - while walking back to our hotel after dinner, we found a wi-fi spot and I was able to log onto the U of T website using my iPhone. Ain't technology grand? ;-) Anyway - it was a tough go, but I'm rather proud of myself that I went the distance with this...better late than never (although I certainly wasn't the oldest one to graduate this program - last night at our info session, there was a 67-year-old who was all set to start first- year degree studies in the fall!) Now the mindboggling task of choosing courses for next year! If you're one of those people, like I was, who thinks the possiblity of university has passed them by, I would highly recommend the Academic Bridging Program at U of T. Be warned though - it is no cakewalk, or "easy" way in to the school - on the contrary, students who take this course have to give blood, sweat and tears - you're not only being taught a subject at what is probably second year university level, but you're simultaneously being taught how to be a university student (learning the fine art of essay writing, for example). By all accounts, however, those who graduate this course (and receive one full credit for doing so, as well as admittance to the university), go on to achieve higher marks than someone admitted in the traditional manner. All in all, it was a great experience. :)

Hailey McKewon of Inola was named this year’s Outstanding Associate Degree Graduate in the Accounting Degree program at Rogers State University. She is pictured here with Bob Willis, Assistant Professor Department of Business. McKewon received an Associate degree from RSU during the university’s 96th Commencement Ceremony.