I have never been what is called a “traditional student.” I never lived in a dorm, joined a club or fell asleep in the library. (Well, maybe once!) While working on my BSBA and, later, my MBA, I had always worked full time. Steve Krispinsky was the first person I met when I decided to further my education. He helped me through the maze of scheduling problems that comes from working full time and going to school. Steve had a calming effect on me, coupled with a huge amount of patience and a lot of encouragement, I received my BSBA in 1985. The ink wasn’t dry on my diploma when Steve began suggesting I look into starting my MBA. That was the last thing I wanted to do. More classes, books, studying? Are you kidding me? Steve never gave up on me until I finally agreed to take one course. I was hooked after that. By the time I was halfway through the program, I started having some strange symptoms. I had six more courses to finish when I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. I wanted to drop out but Steve wouldn’t let me. I knew I would never have the strength to finish but Steve wasn’t having any of that. He asked what I planned on doing with half of an MBA. He made me realize that I could complete my MBA, as difficult as it was. Steve had some magic words for me that will stick in my mind forever. He told me that I would live with Parkinson’s Disease whether finished with my degree or not, so why not finish? I received my MBA in 1992 due in part to Steve’s encouragement. I am headed towards 22 years of living with the challenges of this disease. My Master’s degree is something that can never be taken from me. Thank you, Steve Krispinsky!
