Carmen Myrtis-Garcia
Having been a Republican for many years, I would like to add my own personal story:

I was raised in a church where women were forbidden any leadership or speaking position, were to be submissive to their husbands, and we were not allowed to vote or partake in "worldly politics." I left this church after 27 years at the age of 39. It was a very turbulent time in my life going through a divorce at the same time and with two sons just entering young adulthood. After a few years of emotional and financial turmoil, I found my way and calling. I completed my bachelors degree in sociology and women's studies at the age of 40 and went on for my masters in student affairs in higher education and women's studies. I became passionate about women's studies and about inspiring/motivating other women who have gone through difficult times to hold onto their dreams, take control of their lives, and to move forward in their lives. After graduation I remarried (a wonderful, supportive man) and I cleaned houses for a living rather than take the middle management job I was offered by a major corporation. Although it offered healthy pay and great benefits, my soul cried out that it was off path. I cleaned houses for 3 years with a master's degree while imagining that someday my dream job would come along.

The door opened for me in 1999 to teach a women's studies class as an adjunct for a local community college. I could never have imagined what doors that one-course teaching position would lead to. I loved teaching. In addition to the Introduction to Women's Studies course, I resurrected and promoted a course on current global issues pertaining to women which had not been taught before. I also created a course about goddesses & women from prehistory into the middle ages and I wrote a textbook for it which was published by a major textbook publishing house. I went on to design those courses into online courses. From one women's studies class in 1999 I now teach 5 sections of those women's studies courses for 2 different colleges. I was honored to receive Master Teacher, a national Excellence in Teaching & Leadership award, Whos Who of American Women, Whos Who of American Educators, and the Larimer County Woman Award. I am also invited to guest teach women's studies at the first ever high school on a tiny island off of Belize that my husband & I fell in love with years ago. I have been rewarded with comments from students over the years that my courses have enhanced and even changed their lives. The most recent has been this election year that my Intro students did a project about women & voting. As a result they, themselves are voting and have encouraged other women to do so.

When I left my church and began voting I was a Republican for several years. As I learned the challenges of a woman supporting myself, the issues women face in our society, and about the need to protect women's rights, I became a Democrat. I believe in being an informed voter...not just voting for the sake of voting. This year I have checked facts more than any other year. I have sent factual information to people who have sent misinformation, mallicious gossip, and lies about Barack. As a result, some have taken notice to check facts for themselves regarding Barack's plans for our country.

As an adjunct professor, we get paid very little....yet put in many hours to create, prepare for, and teach courses. We are not offered health insurance. My husband is self-employed and we can not afford health insurance, nor can we afford to get sick. My focus is on health care/insurance, increase pay for community college adjuncts (we are 80% of the faculty), and protecting freedom and women's rights. To me, voting, is something to take seriously. Becoming an informed voter is important. I am proud to have a part in educating and encouraging women to vote. I am proud to support Obama in his sincere desire to be a leader for all Americans.