Halloween

Through the years, childhood and all, Halloween has undoubtedly been one of my favorite holidays. Often times when I reminisce about my childhood, Halloween always seems to be a part of those memories. Memories, at least in my case, always seem to play out in a way that is similar to watching a film strip that is fragmented and blurry. My visions of Halloween aren't so blurry or obstructed.

The fact that this holiday lands on a moderate (in some cases, brisk) time of year makes it perfect for bonfires. I remember as a child smelling the faint and distant aroma of burning materials, as we prepared to go trick-or-treating under the orange-magenta sky, slowly befallen by darkness. Seeing who could acquire the most amount of candy was always my favorite part. The flavors of Candy Corn, Mary Janes, Tootsie Rolls, and Sugar Babies have their special places in my memory bank. Without these flavors, things just would not have been the same.

My second favorite thing to do back then was dawning the ensemble. Who could ever forget the innovative Superman costume: all the right clothing with the exception of the cape. The cape would always be substituted with a towel held on by clothes pins. Haha! Those were the days. Halloween is no longer a safe holiday. I remember when kids had to beware of embedded razor blades inside certain candies. Ever since then things have swiftly gone downhill. I wonder what's next?

-R

Life as a Working Student

I've been a uniform service member (U.S. Air Force) for over 16 years and I've traveled all over the world. My primary job in the Air Force is Communications Systems Operator (CSO) as a crew member on board the E-3 Sentry, also known as AWACS, where I've accrued over 2,500 flying hours. In the AWACS community I'm also known as the subject matter expert, because I'm also an airborne instructor, evaluator, and I manage the training curriculum other CSO's must accomplish upon qualification on the AWACS. I've been stationed at Tinker AFB since November 2001.

As one can imagine my job keeps me pretty busy: flying, keeping track of meetings, ensuring training syllabi and courseware are in tip-top, world-class condition. But these aren't the only things I strive to maintain; I work hard at obtaining a quality education as well. Those who know me will tell you that education is very important to me. Up to this point I've been able to secure a total of four associate degrees under four different disciplines or studies. The plan, as of right now, is to graduate with a baccalaureate degree from Oklahoma City University, and continue my education at Oklahoma University beginning Fall 2011. So one must wonder at this point—how am I able to do all of this; what keeps me motivated.

We all understand that an education is instrumental to a successful life. We further understand that employers seek education as well as experience in future employees. We are no longer in a time where a high school diploma is the ticket; but rather, bachelor degrees have become the new standard. Having a Masters degree has become the new way of establishing oneself apart from the norm or standard. Of course there's always the danger of over qualifying oneself.  At any rate, these are the things that drive me to strive. These are the things that keep me centered and my eyes on the ball. Living in a competitive world.

While keeping my eyes on the ball, life as a working student is no easy feat; in fact, it can be truly exhausting (depending on how classes and flight schedules align themselves). Obviously, the hope is that they don't collide or line-up in a way that will maximize fatigue. Sometimes this is truly unavoidable. The unique thing about being a working student that's different from that of being a traditional student is that most of us appreciate the value of an education; we want to engage the onslaught of academia, unlike most fresh-out-of-high school students, whose parents (in some cases, not all) have given them no choice. 

Personally, at the end of the day, I get a sense of gratification knowing that I work so hard at making myself a better person and a better citizen. 

-Rick