I've basically read this entire thread and I have to put my thoughts down.

Congratulations on the job. I think it's refreshing to see that you have such a great passion and a love for your job. That is an admirable quality in itself. So many people absolutely hate going to work every day in the world. It delights me to see that someone likes their job and strives to do their very best in it.

While my kids were going to school, I forbade them to even mention quitting to me. Consequently, they both graduated. My son, just barely, and, my daughter, with honors. Incidentally, my son was voted "Most Likely To Succeed" in his senior class. He hated school(still does)but has a million dollar brain. Today, my daughter is working on her Masters and my son doesn't even have an Associates degree. My son makes 3 times more money than my daughter because he followed his passions. My sister was a high school dropout, got her GED later and now has a Masters in teaching. She's taught school for 25 years.

Follow your heart and if necessary, education will come later. I'm pretty sure you'll further it if you need to.

Also: Lastly. I have to say that you seem to be getting pretty mature these days, Alicia. I for one, have noticed a big change in you. Good luck with your new job and everything you do.