Sandra Haight Poet Verse

Notes About The Poem

       Graduation Day! 1984

Second Chance

Second Chance


They all expected me to go that year
     to a college of my dreams.
Good high school students are imagined to
     continue academic paths.

But see...I fell in love, and so I chose
     to let my heart lead to my goal
and follow my Marine to where he was,
     as his devoted wife and love.

And life was wonderful, because, that June,
     at eighteen, I became his bride.
Within six years, three children filled our life,
     and I thrived well in motherhood.

The years went fast and blessed our family.
     And when the youngest was thirteen,
I did what none expected me to do...
     seek out a full college degree.

At forty-five, after a long six years,
     a grad I was...Summa Cum Laude.
And then, mature to use it to my best...
     this second chance, my treasure was.

BA in English, Business Minor too,
     helped me make good my second chance;
achieved new growth on my employment stage...
     alongside motherhood and wife.


January 17, 2019

Premiere Contest: Second Chances
Sponsor: Chantelle Anne Cooke 

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Jennifer Proxenos January 17, 2019 at 11:38 PM Hi Sandra, That is exactly what I did! I started studying at 40 and finished my 2nd degree honours BA when I was 46. Well done Sandra, not many of us opt for this after having had a family, but grateful to first my father, and then my husband who both encouraged me as well as my son, and I'm sure your family is as proud of you as mine is of me! Lovely poem. Poetry hugs, Jennifer. Sandra Haight January 19, 2019 at 6:59 PM Oh, Jennifer, I was so happy to learn that you had shared this wonderful educational adventure too! Congrats to you! It was a difficult road for me and I am sure you found it challenging also. Yes, my husband and children supported me and were so proud that I made it! Thank you for the visit and very uplifting news! Hugs, Sandra

Andrea Dietrich January 17, 2019 at 7:51 PM oh, I see you graduated in '84. I was in '79 but age 24 and the years have gone SO fast. That picture is beautiful. oops, you would be long retired by now!! So DID you teach? (I will likely keep teaching and never retire, just because my teaching part time in a private school does not earn me a lot of money and I'll need to supplement my social security!) Sandra Haight January 19, 2019 at 7:15 PM Hi Andrea, thanks for the visit and supportive comments. No, I did not pursue an education degree, so I did not teach. My husband and I officially retired in 2004 when we sold our fire equipment business where I was a working VP and manager for 18 years. My education skills, especially in business, helped our business grow, and my writing skills improved with my concentration in English. Hugs, Sandra

Andrea Dietrich January 17, 2019 at 7:47 PM wow, what an amazing story. I got to be summa cum laude too, but to do it with all your other responsibilities. That is so commendable, Sandra. Are you going to teach or what?? Now you have inspire me. I just have to think what have I had a second chance at?

Connie Marcum Wong January 17, 2019 at 1:35 PM How lovely you look Sandra. Congratulations on returning to school to obtain your degree! It is never too late if that is your desire and goal. My second chance was to marry again and find happiness married 37 years now. I enjoyed your poem and real stories are always the most interesting. This should do great in the contest. : ) xxoo Sandra Haight January 17, 2019 at 3:55 PM Thank you so much, Connie. Those days seem like so long ago, but it was a special time in my life. I appreciate your lovely, supportive comments very much. Your 'second chance' brought you the love of your life, and that is so wonderful. Thank you so much for your always uplifting visits. Hugs, Sandra

Heidi Sands January 17, 2019 at 8:57 AM Congratulations Sandra. That is wonderful and a great positive poem to go with it ! :) Sandra Haight January 17, 2019 at 3:56 PM Thank you very much, Heidi. As always, I appreciate your nice visits and lovely comments. Hugs, Sandra

Wendy Watson January 17, 2019 at 8:45 AM Thank you for sharing this achievement, Sandra. I too have recently completed a degree as a mature student so I know the sense of satisfaction which it brings. Bravo! Sandra Haight January 17, 2019 at 3:58 PM Congratulations, Wendy!! So nice to learn about your success in pursuing your dreams and completing a college degree. Wonderful to share this accomplishment with you. Hugs, Sandra