PERSONAL HISTORY

Born the summer of '68, I made my entrance into this world--joining a family consisting of two very dedicated, hard-working middle class parents and one older brother. I also joined an extensive family tree, surrounded by numerous aunts and uncles and many cousins who were as close to me as a sibling could possibly be. I remember noticing two separate worlds my extended family seemed to be. One side so proper, formal, socially elite--the other very down to earth, laid back, relaxed. Because of this diversity, I think it greatly enhanced my own character. I grew up with the utmost in respect, discipline and manners yet had no problem getting down and dirty, having fun.

I grew up in a small town, Mount Union--more exclusively in the golfing "suburb" of the American Legion Country Club. An amusing note that comes to mind is that while growing up and going to school, I was always referred to as one of the "rich kids" because of the area in which I lived. Granted the ALCC does offer some distinguishable attributes over the rest of the town, it really wasn't all that different, only a matter of location.
My educational background consisted of attending the Mount Union school system from grade school through high school. High school is where I began to blossom as a person. This is when I began to prove myself.

I was a proud member of the Track & Field team. Starting out as just the girl who kept the stats, I tried out for field and quickly excelled. My forte, shot put and discus. Seems I may have had a natural talent for it, though my techniques were far from "natural". My approach to the sport was unconventional but highly successful. My distances exceeded most boys at that time. Over a two season period, I acquired nearly every trophy and record possible, some may still stand to this day. I was school record holder in both events, district record holder as well and ultimately, at the end of my sports career, finished 3rd in the state in shotput and discus. That was a very proud point in my life. Colleges across the country, ranging from Dartmouth to the small private establishments, actively vied for my attendance on an athletic scholarship. In the end, I turned everyone down ( big mistake! ) and pursued other areas.
I also attended the then known as Huntingdon County Area Vocational/Technical School in the trade of Cosmetology. From there I got involved in VICA-Vocational/Industrial Clubs of America. I held a position in the office of President. I took well to the role of leadership. I was active and involved in the school and took part in many seminars and competitions. It's always a rush to be recognized and looked up to by not only your peers but those that would be considered your own mentors.
In my home school, I was a member of the National Honor Society, graduating in the top percentage of my class. I enjoyed learning--I was always one of those kids who raised their hands first to answer a question. I furthered my vocational trade upon graduation at Empire Beauty School to eventually receive certification as a Cosmetology Teacher.
Shortly after completing my stint at Empire, I moved away from home in the search of a job in my field. Four months after graduating high school, I was on my own living in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. I was to start a position as Manager in a local establishment preparing for its debut. Unfortunately my career was doomed before it even had a chance to start. The place never opened, the owner disappeared off the face of the earth. I was stuck scrambling to find *any* job to cover my share of the rent ( thanks mom and dad for covering me ). I eventually wound up working retail in a local mall. From there, I went on to spend four years working a laborious tedious job with a men's clothing manufacturer. I pulled down excellent wages, even at piece rate, but was not satisfied with my position. Since my position there, I haven't worked a "formal" job since, BUT, not for reasons you may think.
Enter into the picture one husband. We have been together since 1985. Steve was my high school sweetheart, sort of. He was the older college boy ( hubba hubba ) while I was still in high school. My move to Shippensburg was somewhat influenced by him as well, considering that he attended Shippensburg University. So I guess you could say I followed him. His major was in the field of Criminal Justice, and he has ultimately taken a position with a maximum security facility for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. ( he's one intimidating character you do not want to cross ) He proudly wears the distinction of being a Lieutenant.

We married in the summer of 1989. He and I spent our newlywed years living somewhat separate due to the location of our jobs. Fortunately he has since become established enough in his career that I have been given the liberty to take a departure from the labor industry for now to take care of another pursuit,
my son.


UPDATE: April 1999

Well, my life has taken a drastic turn since the introduction of this page. Our beloved (artist formerly known as...)"Ex" is now an "Ex" in more ways than one. I have joined the staggering statistical ranks of divorce. Even though this was a mutual decision, believe me, it was not easy. I would be kidding myself to say that I didn't see this coming, but that moment when the word "DIVORCE" is uttered, your world is totally rocked from its foundation no matter how much you think you're prepared for it. But you know what?! Out of this adversity, I HAVE become stronger. After 14 years of living my life for someone else-through someone else, I now have the opportunity to live for ME! And that is my intent. After years of talking about it, I have decided to go back to school. Fall of '99, I am enrolling in business college to pursuit an Associate Degree.

Out of the worst possible situations comes the best of opportunities. I have been granted the chance to start over. Some may fear a situation such as that but I welcome it!
As I enter this new phase in my life, I count my blessings. I am appreciative for the hard lessons in life just as much as the good.

I will survive.

UPDATE: March 2001

I have survived!

I am here to announce some very good news. I can now add the distinction of "college graduate" to my list of life achievements. To anyone beyond the average college-age years (those of us older than-say-30!), if you have even the slightest desire to return to school but feel you've been out of the classroom for too long and don't think you can do it, I am here to tell you YOU CAN!

It is my belief that going through the college curriculum at this stage in my life is one of the greatest things I could have ever done. You will gain such a feeling of pride, accomplishment, and intrinsic happiness.

With my completion of an Associate Degree at DuBois Business College, graduating Summa Cum Laude, I have been offered a position with the respected J.C. Blair Memorial Hospital as a Health Information Systems Analyst.

Persistency pays off. I am living proof.

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