Dear Editor,

I love reading the Virginia Tech magazine, especially the articles about alumni who have been very successful in their careers. While reading the latest magazine, I realized that there may never be a story written about my success in my current job or about others in similar situations.

I graduated from Virginia Tech in 1982 with a B.S. in finance and moved to California, where I got an MBA from Golden Gate University and worked in finance and accounting for Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., ROLM Mil-Spec Computers, and ArgoSystems. I moved back to Virginia in 1987 and worked for Quintron Corp. and Applied Research Inc. I did what I considered to be very well and could not wait for my annual performance reviews.

Now I have the best job of my life. I am fortunate to be a "stay-at-home" mom. It truly is the most difficult job I have ever held. Sometimes I want it to end at five, six, or even nine p.m., but it's a 24-hour job that continues long into the night if my children have new teeth or ear infections. I cannot take a long lunch to cool off when I get frustrated, and I have to clean up food fights (not in my previous job descriptions.

But, after all this, I do not have to wait for a once a year review. I get a pat on the back, kisses, hugs, and "Mommy, I love you" every day. My ex-bosses never did this (but they never spit up on me either). So, with two degrees, I change a lot of diapers and manage the family finances. I cannot imagine ever turning in my two-week notice

I want to share my success story and to give others in similar jobs the recognition they deserve. I have Shelley, who is 3, and a bonus--Gretchen, who is almost 2. My husband Bill (geology '83)--nothing would be possible without him--and I intend to continue the Virginia Tech education through our children and hope that their success stories are as good as ours--Virginia Tech degrees, successful careers, and the ability to manage family money and be stay-at-home moms.

Sharon Pickett Mills '82
Fairfax, Va.

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Editor -- Su Clauson-Wicker
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Alumni Notes -- Jo Farmer, Dale Alvarez
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