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Vickie Peterson, One Busy LadyBy Mike Russo BRIDGEPORT – “I want to work with adolescents because they are the most troubled – I feel I can affect change.” These are the words of Vickie Peterson, general studies student at Housatonic Community College. Besides being a college student and member of Psi Beta Kappa, the national honor society for psychology, she is a mother, wife, travel agent, financial planner, mortagage broker, a member of the NAACP, and active in her church. Among her many roles and busy schedule, Vickie prides herself on being a good wife and mother to her children. She has been married for 21 years to her husband, Dawud and has a daughter, Sienna, 17, and a son Tymon, 15. “I want to be a positive role model for my children,” she said. She enjoys cooking big meals for her family and friends on holidays and special occasions. The 40 year-old Peterson was born and raised in Bridgeport and graduated from Central High School. After marriage and living across the United States and abroad during Dawud’s military service, Vickie and her husband returned to Connecticut to raise their family. She attended CPI and graduated from the word processing program. She continued her education at Albertus Magnus College and received her associates degree in business management in 2000. She is currently a full-time student at Housatonic Community College. “HCC has helped me in self development, especially in the psychology field,” said Peterson. Vickie is currently a general studies major, but is changing her career to nursing, concentrating in psychology. Peterson praises the curriculum at HCC and the professors who have inspired her throughout her studies. “I have wonderful relationships with my professors and instructors,” said Peterson. “Dr. Maureen Maloney encouraged me to lean towards the psychology portion and incorporate it with the nursing,” she continued. Peterson also credits HCC professor Janet Lanci for motivating her towards human services. “She (Lanci) inspired me to take a look at people in their everyday lives and how society and government truly affect them,” said Peterson. Today, Vickie and Dawud run a financial services business from their home in Bridgeport. Vickie also operates and on-line travel agency, and is a mortgage broker. Vickie is an active member of the Grace and Peace Church, participates in singing in the tabernacle ensemble, and is a praise and worship leader. She became an ordained minister in 1998, and currently teaches adult Sunday school. “When the negative things come up in my life, church is where I get my refortification for the week. It keeps me in balance,” Peterson said. Vickie’s plans for the future include finishing her degree at HCC, nursing school and a bachelor’s degree in psychology so she can eventually work with children in the community. “When it is all said and done, regardless of what man might say, I would hope that God will say well done,” said Peterson. Anson C. Smith
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