Sue Kivalos is a student who began with Rue in September of 2007.  She was eager to launch into her studies and started with Sociology.  Sue expressed an excitement over independent study and taking strides toward reaching her goals, and yet displayed a realistic attitude about maintaining a reasonable pace with other demands in her life. Toward the end of 2007, Sue completed and successfully passed her Sociology exam and moved on to study General Psychology. She was faithful about keeping in touch and sending updates on her progress and appreciated the resources and information provided by Academic Services to assist her in her studies and passing the exams. 

In February of 2008, Sue sent an update on her studies and let me know she had put them aside briefly due to some challenges in her professional and personal life.  She informed me that her pediatric  case of 3 years had passed away and her husband was diagnosed with lung cancer and did not have a good prognosis.  During this time, Sue and her husband were forced to move out of their home to a one-floor apartment to provide handicap accessibility for her husband.  This was a difficult time and transition for Sue, but despite this she kept a positive attitude and remarked- “when it rains… it certainly pours... but at least it’s not SNOW!”

In April I received another update from Sue, letting me know that she was back in the study mode and about half way through her General Psychology studies. Though she was back and forth at this time taking her husband to radiation and chemo appointments, Sue commented that her books go with her wherever she goes and she uses the time waiting to catch up on studying.  Now that’s dedication!

When I spoke to Sue in June of 2008, she told me that she was primarily at home with her husband and had taken off work because hospice had come in at this point.  While caring for him, Sue continued to be devoted to her studies and progressed through General Psychology and started English Composition studiesin her spare time. Sue remarked that she was excited to begin taking her Excelsior exams and she felt as though this was a turning point for her and a major step in her coursework.

I received an email from Sue at the end of July 2008 informing me that her husband had passed.  Sue stated that she was trying to get everything back to normal, had taken some time off work, and planned to hit the books hard.  I offered my condolences and told Sue that if there was anything I could do to assist her during this difficult time I would be happy to help. 

Last week, Sue sent me another update and let me know that she successfully passed her General Psychology exam and was eager to continue moving forward!  Sue is a  student who has displayed perseverance and dedication to her studies and reaching her goals during some of the most challenging obstacles anyone could face.  She always maintained a positive attitude, a great sense of humor, an amazing strength and resilience, and a drive to succeed regardless of the challenges that were placed before her.  Sue is an inspiration to anyone who may face struggles along the way to never give up on your dream- it may just become a reality!

Jenna Roy
Rue Academic Advisor