Thirty years since high school graduation? It just doesn�t seem possible!!! Well, lets see, what have I done in the last 30 years? After high school, I spent 3 years at Appalachian State University where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (1979). My first job after college graduation was in retail management; my first store assignment was in Winston-Salem. After 1.5 years in Winston-Salem, I was transferred to a store in Charlotte at my request. Six months later (1981), I married Howard (Howie) Outland, a man that I met my freshman year at ASU. In 1983, we had our first child, Donna, and purchased our first home. In 1985, I began working at UNC Charlotte. Twenty years later I�m still here. In 1993, our youngest child, Christy, was born and we purchased our second (larger) home. When Christy was 2 years old, I began working on a Masters Degree in Public Administration, taking 1 course per semester (while working full time). In 2001, I completed my masters degree and after 20 years of marriage, Howie and I separated (and later divorced).
My oldest daughter, Donna, will graduate this May (2006) with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. After taking a year off, she plans to pursue graduate work. Christy, my youngest, will turn 13 in February. Donna and Christy are my �pride and joy� (although both can be a real pain-in-the-butt at times!). They are intelligent, head-strong women�they�re going to do just fine in life!
My �spare time� and energy is mostly consumed by work, kids and maintaining the house and yard. But for fun, I enjoy dining out, watching movies, reading, exercising (during my lunch hour), shopping and spending quality time with family and friends. In the 5 years since Howie and I split, I�ve dated some but, generally speaking, I haven�t found dating at 47 to be all that rewarding (only those that are middle-aged and dating can fully appreciate this)! Last August, I enrolled in a year-long disciple class at church, so every Wednesday night I meet with 5 other people to talk about the relevance of the Bible to today�s issues. The class really has been a life-changing experience for me!
My life is very good at the present! I�ve been blessed with good health, a career that I truly enjoy, good friends, healthy and happy children, and a sense of peace. I look forward to hearing what each of you have been doing over the last 30 years�take care!
Cathy Sanders
