Ann DodgeCirculation Assistant
If you think you're a strong supporter of education, consider this: Son Ryan, 20, is a sophomore at New York University. Daughter Lindsey, 18, is a senior in high school and seriously considering Washington State University next year. Son Jarret, close behind at 17, isn't sure where he's going to college but he's pretty sure it's going to be out of state. That raises the specter of college tuition for three children at the same time. And all the kids got to this point only after several years of tuition at area Catholic schools. Now that's a commitment to education, one that Ann Dodge and husband Bill feel important for their children's futures.
But sometimes giving children experiences that enable them to think and live independently comes with risk. New York is a long way from Tacoma, but Ryan, interested in a career in publishing, wants to be in a major urban center. That strategy nearly back-fired when the World Trade Center tragedy occurred in September. Ryan's NYU dorm is in the financial district and so not far from the WTC. Ann and Bill watched the plane crash into the second tower, then were more than a little relieved when Ryan got through to them on his cell phone about an hour later.
New York that day was an especially long, long way from Graham and the rural life-style the Dodges have carefully cultivated. They live on ten acres, including five for a yard that accommodates all the equipment that goes with Bill's water well drilling business, plus three acres of woods. Bill enjoys being his own boss, but at heart he'd rather be a landscaper and so builds ponds and otherwise shapes the property. Ann's interests relate mostly to her close-knit family, both nuclear and extended - annual treks with the kids to Bumbershoot, visits to and outings with her larger family scattered throughout the area, hiking, and all the usual activities associated with three active kids. Ann was 10 when her military family moved to Lakewood, so she knows the area well.
Two high school children aren't quite enough to keep Ann busy, it seems, so she's also working on a degree as a library technician from Highline Community College. She actually began work on a comparable degree at Tacoma Community College in 1999, then had to move her studies elsewhere when TCC abruptly cancelled their program. But she perseveres in yet another example of her deep commitment to education and creating opportunities. This time for herself.