I finished my teacher certification program in July of 2007. I received an e-mail sent to all students at the college certifying in critical needs areas, like the Exceptional Student Education in which I certified. There is a grant the college secured that would award a tuition stipend. The way I read the letter, I thought it was only for those who were enrolled in the 2007-2008 school year. That would not be me.

More recently I received another e-mail saying the deadline had been extended by two weeks. I replied, asking if I was actually qualified and found out that since I was in school for part of 2007, I am!

So, I just sent off my application. The stipend would pay at least $750, so wish me luck, send a prayer up for me, cross your fingers – whatever; just give me some good thoughts.

I’m not sure if I have to use to enroll in additional classes, though that would be just fine with me. I still need to take a second ESOL class anyway. Or, maybe I just get it, no strings attached. Maybe I can tuck it away in a savings account or splurge and take my family up to the Smoky Mountains to one of the Pigeon Forge cabin rentals my friend Tonya has been raving about. Either way would be fine.