By Nicole Hamilton
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Losing his job as a machinist may have been one of the best things to happen to Sean Eddington.

If his former employer, Precision Bar Services, hadn't closed and laid him off in 1995, he would have never visited the Northern Kentucky Unemployment office in Covington, where he learned about a program that provides financial assistance to dislocated workers wanting to further their education.

"It was a choice between getting another job that paid seven or eight dollars an hour or go back to school," said his wife, Mary Eddington, 30. Both Eddingtons received degrees Saturday morning at Northern Kentucky University's commencement at U.S. Bank Arena. Hers was an associate degree in liberal arts; his, a bachelor's in organized studies.

The Burlington couple were two of NKU's 985 midyear graduates but may have been the only ones who are married and the parents of five children, ages 3 months to 13.

Being full-time college students on top of being parents required the couple to be flexible, patient and, above all, positive. Their children became their outlet - and their inspiration.

"There were a lot of times when - if it was time to study - I put the books on the floor and played with the kids,'' said Mr. Eddington, 31.

Added his wife: "I wanted to do this for my kids - to show them that they can go to college, too.''

Ms. Eddington is a reservationist at Delta Airlines who hopes to advance within the company.

Next fall, Mr. Eddington will begin graduate school at NKU.

"There are so many people out there that can (go to college)," Mr. Eddington said.

"I'll always have my education," Ms. Eddington said. "If my house burns down around me and my piece of paper goes up in flames that doesn't matter. I'll always have my education."

Help for college The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority provides assistance for Kentucky residents wanting to continue their education in two ways:

• Kentucky Tuition Grant Program provides need-based grants to Kentucky residents to attend one of the commonwealth's independent colleges.

Students must be full-time undergraduates enrolled in baccalaureate degree programs other than religion, divinity or theology.

For the 2001-2002 academic year grants ranged from $200 to $1,800.

To apply, complete a Free Application for Federal Student Assistance application available in high school counselor offices, at colleges, or at www.kheaa.com

• College Access Program (CAP) provides assistance to Kentucky's financially needy students to attend public and private colleges and universities, proprietary and technical colleges.

Grants are awarded to students enrolled in programs that take at least two years to complete.

Students studying religion, divinity or theology are not eligible.

The maximum award for the 2001-02 academic year was $1,260. Eligible part-time students receive about $500.

To apply, follow same directions as above.

E-mail nhamilton@enquirer.com