There is one person in particular who deserves special mention in this portfolio...

The reason I initially sought to earn a master's degree in education was that my wife had just completed hers, and that throughout her studies she'd engaged me in her coursework by discussing her ideas with me and asking me to critique her work. Before that, I'd never given adult education a second thought.

Later, when I applied to the MDE program, I half-jokingly wrote in my application letter that the reason I felt I could finish the program was that my wife would never let me quit after having spent so much money.

And now that I'm so near the end, I think I have to take this opportunity to acknowledge her support and motivation over the last two years. Every time I've felt that the workload was too much, or that I would never have enough time, with my other duties, to finish a project or course, she has been there to push me forward, and frequently to take over my other duties so that I'd have the time to focus on my studies.

Truly, she's the reason I'm near the end of this journey today, and I just have to say “Thank you, and I love you” to the woman who has so often helped me to reach my potential.