Some women prefer to wear Bill Blass or Ralph Lauren originals. Lori Brown is kind of partial to the Terra logo brand—Terra Community College, that is.

The Terra logo clothing that dominates her wardrobe speaks loud and clear about her feelings for the college.

"I love it," she said. "Everyone here is so nice and helpful. It's just a fun atmosphere for me."

Brown, 45, is now in her second year of studies at Terra. After graduating from Fremont Ross High School in 1980, she went to a travel school in Florida but came back to the area and went into factory work.

"That wasn't exciting,"she said.

So, when she was laid off from the factory, she told her husband she was going back to school. He was supportive from the start.

"I always thought there was something missing," Brown said. "Now, I'm complete. I love it."

At first, she was a bit apprehensive, but her fears were quickly dispelled.

"I was afraid I would be the oldest in the class, but you know, it doesn't even matter," she said. "When you're in that class, everyone is the same."

Brown has always been a good listener and one who people naturally confide in, so she felt that a career in social work was a perfect match. After the death recently of two uncles, she's considering hospice work.

"My cousin always told me that there's no reason to wake up each day if you can't learn something or do something nice for someone," Brown said. "That has stuck with me."

Taking classes and doing homework has had added benefits at home. Her two sons, ages 12 and 15, see their own education in a new light.

"They see me doing my homework and I think that has made it easier for them to do theirs, she said." "It's working."

As for her future, Brown is taking it one step at a time. She plans to find a job in the social work field, but there is no end in sight to coursework.

"I don't know how far I'll go, but I know I'm not going to stop learning, she said."

And she's pretty sure that she's left an impression on her sons.

"I think their mother is their role model," she said proudly.