Work has been a part of my life since childhood. Dad and mom always instilled in me a sense of pride for hard work. They encouraged me to work and save. I worked. And I always worked at doing my best.
Work began as household chores, the occasional opportunity to work with dad in his business (chain-link fencing and awnings), or with mom as she handled the business books for dad. When I became older at the age of securing a job, I joined the workforce. My first jobs were theater concessions to ticket office, grill cook to credit office, and then an insurance office. I really enjoyed the office type of work because of my being organized. Just keeping things in order and making sure that everything was in its order is what drove me.
After high school I decided that it was secretarial work that I would study. I would work in an office, organize to my heart’s content, and be a productive, hard-working individual. So I began studies at Lander University. After some time and a talk with my parents, I made a decision to continue my studies and pursue a degree in Business Education believing that this would provide for a better opportunity in the work field.
It was during my educational years at Lander that I met my husband. I sometimes wonder the direction of my life had I only gone to college for the two years required for secretarial studies. Where would I be now?
Graduating in ’77 and marrying the love of my life a couple of months later were the beginning of my new life journey.
In marriage I believe that both couples should work outside the home in the early years of marriage. Some may not agree with me and that’s OK. I contributed to our home and our future. For five years I worked…one year in a bank and four years as a middle school secretary. After the birth of our son, we made a decision that I would become a SAHM, and I did for approximately eight years.
When I felt the nudge to begin working again, God had already been working on the job he intended for me; and in fact, he was already preparing me for a wonderful opportunity. Little did I know that the position he chose for me was at the elementary school where our son attended. I was able to secure a position back within the city schools working as an elementary teacher’s assistant. It was the perfect job for me and my family…particularly our son…having the summer months and school vacation days together.
Over the years as our son graduated from elementary to middle to high school and then on to college, I remained devoted and committed as an educator within our school system. Responsibilities for me have ranged from teaching a Reading program, assisting At-Risk students in Reading and Math, to serving as the K-2 Computer Lab Resource Teacher.
Working with students as young as kindergarteners has brought about more challenges than I probably every considered having in my lifetime. However, these challenges have been the most rewarding. I have met many children and their parents/guardians. Some of the children (present and past students) will see me out shopping and come up to me to speak or just gather a hug. I am blessed.
Under the leadership of five principals and countless mentor teacher friends, I want you to know that I am beginning the process of retiring after 25 years. Being truly honest, I would have to say that I have really enjoyed every minute of working. I still enjoy my job. It’s just time for me to live life differently.
I need a deeper, spiritual relationship with my God. I want to better my health. I want to make our home life less stressful. My parents are getting older, and I really want to be with them as often as I can. I want to sleep late. I want to develop my love of the outside by working in the yards, taking long walks, and resting in my hammock as birds sing. I am ready.
Work began as household chores, the occasional opportunity to work with dad in his business (chain-link fencing and awnings), or with mom as she handled the business books for dad. When I became older at the age of securing a job, I joined the workforce. My first jobs were theater concessions to ticket office, grill cook to credit office, and then an insurance office. I really enjoyed the office type of work because of my being organized. Just keeping things in order and making sure that everything was in its order is what drove me.
After high school I decided that it was secretarial work that I would study. I would work in an office, organize to my heart’s content, and be a productive, hard-working individual. So I began studies at Lander University. After some time and a talk with my parents, I made a decision to continue my studies and pursue a degree in Business Education believing that this would provide for a better opportunity in the work field.
It was during my educational years at Lander that I met my husband. I sometimes wonder the direction of my life had I only gone to college for the two years required for secretarial studies. Where would I be now?
Graduating in ’77 and marrying the love of my life a couple of months later were the beginning of my new life journey.
In marriage I believe that both couples should work outside the home in the early years of marriage. Some may not agree with me and that’s OK. I contributed to our home and our future. For five years I worked…one year in a bank and four years as a middle school secretary. After the birth of our son, we made a decision that I would become a SAHM, and I did for approximately eight years.
When I felt the nudge to begin working again, God had already been working on the job he intended for me; and in fact, he was already preparing me for a wonderful opportunity. Little did I know that the position he chose for me was at the elementary school where our son attended. I was able to secure a position back within the city schools working as an elementary teacher’s assistant. It was the perfect job for me and my family…particularly our son…having the summer months and school vacation days together.
Over the years as our son graduated from elementary to middle to high school and then on to college, I remained devoted and committed as an educator within our school system. Responsibilities for me have ranged from teaching a Reading program, assisting At-Risk students in Reading and Math, to serving as the K-2 Computer Lab Resource Teacher.
Working with students as young as kindergarteners has brought about more challenges than I probably every considered having in my lifetime. However, these challenges have been the most rewarding. I have met many children and their parents/guardians. Some of the children (present and past students) will see me out shopping and come up to me to speak or just gather a hug. I am blessed.
Under the leadership of five principals and countless mentor teacher friends, I want you to know that I am beginning the process of retiring after 25 years. Being truly honest, I would have to say that I have really enjoyed every minute of working. I still enjoy my job. It’s just time for me to live life differently.
I need a deeper, spiritual relationship with my God. I want to better my health. I want to make our home life less stressful. My parents are getting older, and I really want to be with them as often as I can. I want to sleep late. I want to develop my love of the outside by working in the yards, taking long walks, and resting in my hammock as birds sing. I am ready.
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