The Centennial 1996 Olympic Games are now history. The world watched these games with great interest. Children and adults of all ages were inspired and perhaps have dreams of being an athlete in the Olympic Games someday. Throughout the country, many schools have already opened their doors of learning. Many students also have goals and dreams in the academic world. I have many memories of attending classes in a one room country school house, and the real life struggles for even a high school education.

In my day, many aspiring young girls and boys had to forego a high school education because of having to go to work. Many young men who started high school went off to fight in World War II. The dream and goal for many to have a college education remained only a dream for many years. When non traditional students went off to college and became part time students, I was there taking college classes with my children who are enrolled in colleges and universities. It was a very special moment in my life when I received my first Master's from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion on July 31st, 1976 - that famous bicentennial year. As a lifelong learner and advocate for education on all levels, another dream and goal was realized on August 1st, 1996, the year of the Olympic Centennial Games. On that date I received the specialist degree in education, from the same university where I first received a master's in educational psychology and counseling 20 years ago. I value my many life experiences, and the struggles and challenges there are in getting an education. At a time in the history of education when budgets are being questioned, may we never lose heart but continue to reach for our dreams and goals in education. Whatever your dream or goal, it can come true. Always have a dream.

Warm Thoughts: Live each day as if life has just begun. Goethe. One has within themselves, a powerful motivator to open doors you thought were closed. May you value education from preschool to the halls of higher education. May you have many warm thoughts every day.

Warm Thoughts from the Little Home on the Prairie Over a Cup of Tea by Luetta G. Werner.

Published in the Marion Record August 22nd, 1996.

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Till next time,

Trina