College; went into the Peace Corps; taught in LAUSD for 37 years; married with one son (two grandsons) and two stepchildren (2 granddaughters); became an author of 3 books and currently writing for citywatchla.com and laprogressive.com and hollywoodprogressive.com

Attended UCSB, double-majored: English and history; humanities minor.
Bachelor's degrees in English and history; secondary teaching credential

I planned on attending college. Had thought since age 7 that I would become a doctor but believed a woman who wants to become a doctor would not be able to spend adequate time at home with husband and children. Consequently, I became a teacher, a position which allowed me to work with children and be an active participant with my own family. I was always very active with my son's activities, including being a team mom and even a soccer coach.

As a teacher I was able to take students to many countries around the world--a situation which also gave me the opportunity to bring my insights into the classroom. I worked with Habitat for Humanity in Nicaragua and studied in Mexico and Costa Rica and was in the Peace Corps in Brazil for a time.

I have become a successful writer.

Being part of the Leadership class was very rewarding for me. I never missed a football or basketball game in four years and was probably the loudest screamer at those events--very proud of our basketball team when we went to the playoffs in Long Beach.

My favorite memory is the advice a young man gave me about looking around and being more chatty and warm as I walked between classes (I was always thinking about the next class). I have ever since made a point of speaking to and showing interest in just about everyone, such as the cook, janitor, gardener, person in line at the market, or just the average man/woman on the street.

I had a wonderful group of friends but should have reached out to be part of a broader range of friendships.

The purpose of life is to make yourself a better person and to make the world a better place!