Ed2Go Student Margi and Her Journey to Becoming an Author

Margi, at age 74, decided to take a chance on herself and signed up for an MHCC Ed2Go course about journaling. She chose this specific course because she was told that journaling is a great exercise for those who experience mental illness as she does. Margi has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She faces unpredictable flashbacks, nightmares, and panic attacks, sometimes making every-day life feel like a challenge—that was until she adopted Beau, her service dog whom she calls her “hero dog.” She still faces those challenges, but now she doesn’t have to face them alone. Beau comforts her by applying his weight, pawing her shoulders, and licking her face, reminding her that she is safe now.

Beau does not only help Margi manage her PTSD, he also serves as a huge inspiration for her work. After taking her first Ed2Go course on journaling, she went on to take five more courses, all related to writing. She received tremendous support from her instructor, Eva Shaw, who saw the potential Margi possessed and urged and encouraged her to pursue writing. “She was one of the most encouraging teachers I’ve ever had, and I blossomed in her course,” Margi beamed.

Shortly after completing these courses, she began publishing her work. Her first publication was included in an anthology called Visually Uplifting where her entry was published alongside 9 other authors from around the world. In her short story, Beau’s Box, she reflects on her journey with Beau and how he has changed her life. “Beau helps me live a life full of activity. I go about my days knowing he’s always with me to help at a moment’s notice.”

After Beau’s Box, she went on to publish two more books, Death Comes Knocking and Conversations With Beau. Through her publications, she aims to inspire others who also experience mental illness, are of older ages, or are struggling with finding purpose. “My writing has given me a renewed sense of purpose and usefulness. I have a specific goal for everything I write and that is to be an encourager so others with challenges might feel they can try new things.”