Here, I want to pursue my passion and a college degree is the obstacle. I worked in the financial services industry for over ten years, but found that I was burned out from the relentless pressure of sales and began looking for positions in education, all of which require a bachelor's degree. I never knew how cheap going to school would be. What held me back for so many years was the thought of not being able to afford it. I am currently on track to finish my AA degree this year and financial aid and grants have funded all tuition payments. I will be applying to a four-year university this fall and have found a job as an administrator at a charter school in the Bay Area. Overall due to my education, even though I don't have a degree yet, my employer has taken into account that my degree is expiring