A New Beginning Mirna Galvan
I always knew that I had a special calling, although for the longest time I didn’t know what it was. One afternoon, as I sat down with my two children, I thought long and hard about my education. I realized that I needed to make some major changes, go beyond a mere high school diploma. Being married with children at twentyfour and only holding a part-time job, I knew it was the right time. Yet, how to let my husband know? How to tell him that I wanted more from life, that he would need to help with the children while I attended school? I was really scared about bringing up the subject; worried about the way he might respond to my plans. That evening, while I cleaned the house and cooked dinner, my mind raced a million miles. I prepared my husband’s favorite food, let him enjoy it, and then gently opened a discussion: “How’s work?” I asked. “Did you have a good day?” He seemed to be in a good mood as he responded: “What is it that you want, eh? This is my favorite food and you are being extremely nice. Why don’t you spit out what it is that you need?” I sat across the table from him and let him know that I wanted to change my life for the better. And change not only my life but, in the process, that of our family. He looked straight at me, with his head held high, and said: “Who will care for the babies in all this? They need their mother at home!” I stood up and replied firmly: “Their father. And their mother, too! I found this program called SWEEP offering classes for women seeking to return to school. It’s offered by Madonna University. Classes are close by and I can attend at my own pace while helping out at home.” That was it. I didn’t ask further for permission or offer additional details. The very next day, I went to the program’s orientation held at St. Vincent Catholic School. By the evening, I was enrolled in college and set to begin my classes in the fall. I started off slowly, 1