Mary D’Elia Hickey
New York, N.Y.
Class of 1969
Major: English
Life begins precisely at 56 years, 9 days and 18 hours. After 35 years tethered to “Fortune 500” companies, I shook hands, walked out of headquarters, and tossed my hat out of the sunroof for one last drive in my “fleet car.”
In the early ’70s, I had taken a detour after tiring of “desk research,” “obits” – and making no money – at a local newspaper (long since gone). I happily and successfully spent the next three plus decades managing surveys and focus groups in the comforting arms and alms that corporate America offered.
Fast forward to 2003. I sold the big house, the car, the lawn mower and snow shovel and left the ‘burbs for a 1BR sublet in NYC. I put the shingle out: Marketing Research Consultant. And happily, the clients came.
So, even after 40 years (OMG), I am still putting that great Bona journalism training in investigative reporting to use every day doing what I love – conducting interviews, investigating and analyzing a story and reporting the outcome. And I am no longer “tethered;” I enjoy this great city, travel, and have time with my kids and grandkids – proof indeed that pursuing your passion is always worth the wait – even when life presents a detour or two!