Barbara grew up in California and stayed in college as long as she could because she was really good at it. After two degrees and a teaching credential, she was forced to get a job to pay off student loans. Barbara spent four years teaching the hormonal crazies and then moved to Alaska for a brief stint caretaking a gold mine, followed by working at a remote fishing lodge. She has spent 24 years in the pipeline industry and wants to be retired when she grows up.