Here's the bad news. The community college enrollment where I work is already low just from people leaving our area to look for jobs. Then this goldurned Distance Learning TV system we bought over the summer's been a lemon, and students are dropping classes. Last of all, our state legislature passed a law protecting 4 year colleges and universities from competition from us 2 year colleges by limiting all of our programs to 60 credit hours, no more. So most program have 70 credits. Cutting back will mean instructors' jobs will be cut.

Lots of bad forecasts for job security beyond the end of this year.

But on the immediate horizon, there's a break in the clouds. I'm going to speak to some of the disgruntled students in the morning. My college president and vice president are sending a letter of apology to them with me. I don't have to deliver it, but I want to, to show the students evidence of the fruits of all the meetings with the Prez and VP I've been to on their behalf in the last week.

I'm very tired, and the stress has triggered my PTSD symptoms, of course, including insomnia last night. Wish me well in talking to the students.

And long term I'm going to follow the advice you all gave me and see this as an opportunity maybe for something better to open up if this indeed isn't to be after this year. Truly.

Thanks everybody. Can you send good thoughts, vibes, prayers, wishes? All will be taken close to heart with deep DS gratitude.

Muji