Barbara Fowerbaugh '80

As a high school dropout, I never thought I would be able to go back to school and get a college degree. But I was determined to make it happen. I went to a junior college near Long Beach and completed the first two years of my degree. Long Beach State was one of the universities that accepted transfers from the junior college, so I decided to go there. It was convenient and I was the only one in my family to go to college. I was in my mid-thirties when I went back to school, so I was the 'old lady' in class. I was very active in my studies and had a professor who was a mediator for the union at McDonnell Douglas. He referred me for a job there and I worked in several locations, including starting a new plant in Colorado. My favorite memory from being on campus was the friendliness of the staff and students. My education at Long Beach State had a huge impact on my career and I was able to get my master's degree. It's a big achievement to say that I graduated from Long Beach State and I'm proud that I was able to do it. I hope one of my great-grandkids will follow in my footsteps and go to college.