“Kids, Have You Seen My Backpack?” and Other Inspirational Stories of Nontraditional Students: An Adult Learner Anthology, iUniverse, 2005 (More Info)

“Some are single, some are married, some have kids, some do not, some are twenty-four, some are sixty-four…We are not straight out of high school living four more years of playfulness…some of us are in college to improve our future or the future of our children, many of us are changing an academic legacy by being the first in our families to graduate from college. Others are starting again after military service or making a new path out of a dead-end job or relationship…”

“…I was tired of having spaghetti every night…sick of living in a dump of an apartment. The thought of having children was out of the question. I couldn’t believe this was my life. An education was the only way to change that.” “…Hearing those phrases “It’s a girl” and “You may now kiss the bride” made me think, “I am now a wife and a mother…never again a student”.” “The desks sure hadn’t changed, but in the past 20 years, I sure had.” Non-traditional students face challenges well beyond academia. In this anthology, adult learners share their personal journeys. Facing fears, overcoming obstacles, to graduation day, these stories will inspire anyone considering their own education endeavor.

Wilkes University, Off the Record, College Prowler, 2006 (More info)

From Amazon: College guides written by students for students. Wilkes University Students Tell It Like It Is:  Believe it or not, Wilkes-Barre is technically home to Sex and the City. The HBO network actually debuted there, and the city was officially dubbed the home to modern cable TV. It may not have the excitement of the Big Apple, but strangely enough Wilkes-Barre is becoming more like New York. The Northeast Pennsylvania region, which consists of the Pocono Mountains, has been growing in size in recent years due to New York City residents moving to the “outer boros” to get more bang for their buck in terms of housing. Some people refer to this cultural trend as the “New Yorkification” of the region. Even students have noticed that the Northeast is developing. “The feel of the city is not very collegy, but with the addition of the movie theater and the new club that is coming, the environment is changing.” “Wilkes-Barre has a growing recreational aspect as well, with the recent construction of an arena, downtown revitalization, and a nationally recognized amphitheater just minutes away (by car) in Moosic.” But would Carrie Bradshaw approve of the social scene on campus? Students tend to think yes. With seven men’s varsity sports teams, many of the guys are built pretty well. As for the girls, with Philly and New York nearby, many of the Wilkes girls dress to impress because they often are from these major cities. “There are a good number of ‘cookie-cutter’ girls (equator-looking tan in January, Ugg boots year-round), if you’re into that sorta thing, but there are just as many (if not more) truly original, intelligent, and beautiful women on campus as well.” “Guys are usually from the area or Jersey. Typical football players.” Find out whether Wilkes is a fabulous fit. Visiting campus isn’t enough. Read our Wilkes University insider’s guide and discover what it feels like to be on campus for 4 years. Discover if Wilkes is right for you.

Bylines 2008, A Writer’s Calendar (More Info)

I contributed a short essay and was featured on the first week of January.  From the editor: Not your ordinary daytimer, Bylines Calendar is chock full of inspiration, humor and passion. Just the sort of thing aspiring and working writers need to read on a daily basis to keep the creative juices flowing and the angst at bay.