We all have dreams, but for too many of us they end up unfulfilled. Patty Wilson of Cobb County wasn't about to let that happen to her.
After working for years and raising a family, she decided to go back to school and already has become a success in her new field.
The mother of two ended up in business and finances. With her kids getting ready to go off to college, she decided to follow her heart and throw herself into the world of interior design.
"I kept being drawn back to design and art, and the creative side of me," said Wilson.
So Wilson enrolled in the interiors class at Chattahoochee Tech. It didn't take long for her to draw the attention of instructor Ginger Burton.
"She brings a great perspective and approaches it from all angles," said Burton.
Last November, Wilson and other students were challenged to design a chair for the college's lobby space. A national furniture company plans to build the chair, and maybe even add it to their product line.
"I did a lot of thinking about the space and how I would feel in it," said Wilson.
Wilson went to work, and after spending close to 100 hours, she came up with her design. Officials from the furniture company were so impressed that they say they might unveil it at an international convention in Chicago.
"It feels great to have someone appreciate your work," said Wilson.
Burton couldn't be prouder of her student.
"That's why I love what I do. It's rewarding seeing the light bulb go off and the passion kindled," Burton said.
Wilson hopes her story encourages others, even her children, to chase their dreams.
"Follow your heart, but guide it with your head. If you have passion, you'll find a way to make money doing it," said Wilson.
Wilson says she drew inspiration for the chair by using the three majors taught at her branch of Chattahoochee Tech -- interiors, television production and culinary arts.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:09 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:09:40 GMT
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go.
You might have dreamed about getting the chance to decide which of your coworkers should stay on the job, and which ones need to go. Does Someone Have to Go? is a new FOX reality show that lets employees take over for their bosses, and it premieres Thursday night!
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:34 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:34:51 GMT
Married to Medicine is the hottest new thing on Bravo, and the reality series is based right here in Atlanta!
Married to Medicine is the hottest new thing on Bravo, and the reality series is based right here in Atlanta! Mariah HuQ, who is both a star and producer of the show, joined Good Day live to tell us all about the first season, and give us a preview of the upcoming reunion show.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:27:50 GMT
Memorial Day is almost upon us, and you can almost hear the grills firing up already!
Memorial Day is almost upon us, and you can almost hear the grills firing up already! But before you get ready to host that big holiday weekend cookout, the grilling pros at The Cook's Warehouse has some advice for those who need it-- like Good Day's Paul Milliken.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:44 AM EDT2013-05-23 12:44:55 GMT
It's graduation season AND it's also #ThrowbackThursday, so what better time to go back to the archives? Today's victim: the one and only Buck Lanford.
It's graduation season AND it's also #ThrowbackThursday, so what better time to go back to the archives? Today's victim: the one and only Buck Lanford. He agreed to take us back to his senior year at South Gwinnett High School-- and somebody had a WHOLE LOT of hair!
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:32 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:32:32 GMT
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
As we celebrate Memorial Day weekend, we'll pause to remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It's also a great time to thank veterans for their service to our country—veterans just like World War II American hero Lew Fern.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:31 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:31:33 GMT
You've probably been to a yard sale or two in your life, and you might have found some great deals. But would you know how to get the most out of your own yard sale?
You've probably been to a yard sale or two in your life, and you might have found some great deals. But would you know how to get the most out of your own yard sale? Good Day's Tacoma Perry talked to an expert who shared some great tips for how to make your yard sale a huge hit.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:27 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:27:37 GMT
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Summer in Georgia means mosquitoes—and lots of them. Even if you're just stepping outdoors for a few minutes, you need to protect yourself. But how do you pick the right bug repellent?
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:37 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:37:15 GMT
You've seen us handing out Good Day Gas Money for weeks now, and Gurvir and Karen have met plenty of those lucky winners in person.
You've seen us handing out Good Day Gas Money for weeks now, and Gurvir and Karen have met plenty of those lucky winners in person. But Paul turned up the heat when he enlisted the help of two actresses from the new movie Operation Heat to play a little prank on his unsuspecting coworkers.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:30 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:30:53 GMT
Does your summer road trip include mouth-watering stops at mom-and-pop eateries? Ours does, and it'll be even better with the help of a new Southern Living book!
Off the Eaten Path: Second Helpings is dedicated to finding the best meals in the south-- and it features some great restaurants right here in north Georgia. Good Day's Paul Milliken checked out two of those gems-- The Hil in Serenbe, and Weaver D's in Athens! As usual, he didn't leave hungry.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:17:14 GMT
The new season of Masterchef features a local contestant from the metro area! Jessie Lysiak is from Social Circle, and she's about to make her big debut on the hit FOX show.
The new season of Masterchef features a local contestant from the metro area! Jessie Lysiak is from Social Circle, and she's about to make her big debut on the hit FOX show. But first, she stopped by Good Day to cook us up one of her favorite recipes.
Patty Wilson on the left.
