Introducing myself and my journal: Laura's Voice

About Me:
I am 45 years old, the proud mother of two boys - ages 15 and 24, and happily divorced. I administrate a variety of systems for the quality department of an engine manufacturer, and am attending school online to obtain a bachelor's degree in IT - Business Systems Analysis.

I love to read and just started "Half the Sky". I also enjoy kayaking, swimming, boating, walking/hiking, traveling, and spending time with family. My life has changed dramatically, for the better, within the past two years - a divorce, a move to a new house, and most importantly, having my birth son get in touch with me. I had given my oldest son up for adoption at birth and we've been reunited since September 09. Getting to know him, finding out he has had a good life, and has grown into a successful, caring, and polite young man has been a very wonderful, although highly emotional, experience. My sons and I recently had a wonderful time on a family vacation to Puerto Rico. I feel very fortunate to finally be free of an emotionally abusive man, own my own home, work at an interesting job, and have two wonderful sons to love. There are so many women less fortunate than I, and I like to help where I can. One way I do this is through the "Women Empowering Women" lending team on Kiva. I am looking forward to being part of the Pulse Wire community.

My Passions:
Learning and personal growth, fighting poverty and injustice, my family

My Challenges:
Overcoming the past

My Vision for the Future:
To become an independent, well-traveled, professional who finds and takes advantage of opportunities to improve the world in small ways.

My Areas of Expertise:
Software - Microsoft products, SAP Quality Module