1. Introduction
DB 1- instructor- Gary Layton
Dawn M. Gibson
Colorado Technical University
Introduction
My name is Dawn; I live in Delancey, NY. I am the mother of two (son 27, daughter 20) and a
grandmother of three, my son and his wife are expecting the fourth in March. I work for a food
service in a college. I have received my Associates and Bachelor from the American
InterContinental University, Schaumburg, IL. I started at the University of the Rockies and boy
what a huge nightmare and mistake. I was then told about this university, what a difference!! I
am so glad, I wish they had told me about their “sister university” sooner!! So much better I
cannot tell you!! I am still trying to get a hold of the board of education to complain but their
number must have been changed!!
Background
I grew up in a small town called Hamden, NY (originally called Hampton after Hampton,
Mass.) Growing up and getting married showed me the realities of how unfair laws are. Divorce
was a taboo. Helping people get married everyone jumps in, asking for help getting a divorce
everyone hides like you have the plague. Woman abused are supposed to just take it, or “live
with it”. Did you know there are four types of abuse? Physical, (can be proven) emotional,
mental and financial. I had three, not physical. My friend and cousin said they rather be the other
three as they have physical proof. The problem is the protective order is a joke!! So my divorce,
from my x hubnot, my separation from my x fiancé (same issues) and my work pushed me to say
time to get into law. I was wrongly terminated, fought back and won with the Unions help. I
want to know laws inside and out. I want to help consul and mediate for those woman and
children that have been abused. I know some say what about men- I cannot understand their
point of view and if I am needed for them I would try hard. I have many male friends who helped
me to heal and see not all men are “bad” or uneducated on how to treat woman.
Why am I here?
Initially, I wanted to get into Family Law but was talked into Criminal Justice/ Law
Enforcement (which I enjoy). I am being called by some Law Schools which say I can use
Financial Aid, so it is possible that I pursue this course. I am nervous about it as like the
University of the Rockies—was soooo unprofessional and unorganized, I do NOT want to go
through that again, and then they have the nerve to say I owe them.. I guess I will just follow as I

2. go. Main problem is Time, Money and tests; I do not do well on any quiz or tests no matter how
much I know the material. I would like to be a counselor or a lawyer, defending those who are
honest. Perhaps change laws that need changing or loopholes closed. There is so much wrong
with some laws that protect the guilty, while hurting the innocent. Wrongly accused, like
Leonard Peltier who has sit behind bars for 40+ years wrongly accused, tampered evidence to
convict him, as well as forged papers to extradite him from Canada. They refuse to release him
because “it may make them look bad”. How many have been found innocent after they have
been executed? Trust is making things right and admitting mistakes happen.
Proudest Accomplishments
I would have to say my first are my kids. They were both born preemies, took a stand against
bullies, and have never gotten into trouble. That says a lot for a single mother raising her kids
while working. They loved when I homeschooled (6 years) and hated when they returned to
school.
Second is my own success. I survived controlling partners. They both tried to control my
every move. They abused me emotionally, mentally and financially. I was told I was ugly, no
one would want me, I was nothing without them.. hmm, when I left I had no money to start with
and really no place to go. It is embarrassing, humiliating, and draining. The worse is when the
father of your kids say he doesn’t care where you go, and they come with me. We survived; food
banks saved us as well as the actual dollar store. I was able to go back to school when some
teachers told me I would never be accepted. I could never write. I proved them all wrong. I am
told how college is a waste of time, just like reading is. But knowledge IS power and reading
expands the mind. I think those who down it are too afraid to try so they knock it. To achieve
your goals one must believe in what they are doing and have faith in themselves, although people
along the way that encourages you, helps so much.
My third are my horses (and other animals) as when I was young I never thought I would
have one. I have had over twenty. They are my heart and soul and keep me going as well. The
loss of one is very draining and depressing. I just put missy of 22 yrs down. She was an awesome
cat who comforted me, just seemed to know when I was blue. I miss her.
I hope to get solid A’s I need to push myself at times. I want to be one who fights corruption
and injustice. To be able to make, enough money, to share with those, who need it. Pay it
forward I love!! Until each person learns to share what they have?? Peace can never be.
I am honored to be part of CTU and so very grateful it worked out this way.