Like many ophthalmic practice administrators, I worked my way up through the front business office ranks. I was fortunate to be recognized by the practice administrator as having management potential. Having started a family young, I did not begin working on my associate degree until I was in my late thirties while employed full time with Cortland Eye Center (CEC). My intentions at the time were not to remain at CEC, but to further my education, earn a degree, and move on. The saying “Life is what happens while we are busy making other plans” definitely applied to my journey as I am sure it has to yours.