Article by Tina Hockaday | Owl Staff
Cathy Bendis (left) and Tina Hockaday (right) stand in front of an HCPS School Bus.
I love my job, and I realize how much of a privilege it is to say that. My name is Tina Hockaday, and I am a Transportation Coordinator with the Harford County Public Schools Transportation Department.
Working in this field has allowed me to advocate for special needs children, create training programs, and connect with people in my community. Additionally, I was given the honor of working alongside my late mother for fifteen years. I wouldn’t trade my job for the world, which is why, at fifty years old, I decided to advance my career by attending college.
The choice to go back to school as a middle-aged woman was difficult. I have a husband, a full-time job, three children, and a granddaughter. Initially, I thought I would be sacrificing too much of my life. With time, I felt encouraged by my family and supervisors to get my degree and become a Transportation Supervisor at HCPS one day.
Attending college while maintaining the rest of my life was, admittedly, not very easy. I found myself up past midnight many times in order to complete assignments, read lessons, and prepare presentations.
However, at the end of each semester, I found myself saying, “that wasn’t as bad as it seemed while doing it.” Once the semester ended and I realized the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice needed to get there, nothing could compare to that amazing feeling. I felt like I could accomplish anything if I put my mind to it.
Now, I’m in my final semester at Harford Community College. I expect to walk across the stage in May to receive my Associates Degree in Business Administration. After HCC, I plan on attending the University of Maryland Global Campus for my Bachelor’s Degree.
I want my story to inspire motivation for anyone who is currently in college or dreams of going. You can do anything. You can achieve anything you put your mind to at any age and at any stage in your career.
College can push you to be your best self and a curious learner. Attending college has offered me a new perspective on my life, those around me, and in my own career. I was welcomed into my classes with open arms, by people of all ages and backgrounds.
It is never too late. I did it, and so can you.
I think it is amazing that you do what you do! On top of that, I think this article will age very well because so many younger people are deciding against going to college. This article could be a future reference for those same younger people questioning: “Is it too late to start college?”.