- Apr 08, 2009
- States I've Lived In
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I have lived in four states: California (my entire childhood), Massachusetts (4 years for college and then, many moons later, 2 years for grad school and work), Pennsylvania (for 4 months on special assignment from work), and Georgia (for the better part of 21 years).
- Apr 08, 2009
- Favorite and least favorite parts of my job
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The most favorite part of my job as a teacher is to see my students become successful problem solvers, not just in mathematics but in life. I never grow tired of watching the 'a-ha' moments unfold in my classroom; it is a constant affirmation that I am doing exactly what I'm supposed to be doing...The least favorite part of my job is the complete lack of freedom. My lunch period is 27 minutes long and it is spent in the company of 27 sixth graders at a long table with uncomfortable seats. I cannot go to the restroom when I want to, only when it's convenient. The hour I'm supposed to have each day for grading papers, planning lessons, and contacting parents is usually taken up by meetings. But thank goodness for summertime...
- Apr 08, 2009
- All the Schools I Went To
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In kindergarten, I attended Lakeshore Elementary in San Francisco (it was way across town, which was strange since there was a school within walking distance of where we lived; little did I know that I was being bused as part of a desegregation order)From grades 1 through 6, I attended Fairmont School in Pacifica (except 2nd grade, which I never attended because -- being the child prodigy that I was -- I skipped the 2nd grade). In retrospect, maybe I could have used that extra year to develop some humility...For three months I attended 6th grade at Hercules Elementary School (my first experience in a portable classroom -- yuck!)Juan Crespi Junior High in El Sobrante was my home for 7th and 8th grade. That's where I developed a love for the Spanish language.And then I spent four terrific years at the 'K' - John F. Kennedy High School in Richmond.
- Apr 08, 2009
- My Parent's Marriage
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My parents recently celebrated their 42nd anniversary. While so many of their friends' marriages crumbled, they share a love that is really inspiring. Oh sure, they argue and get mad at each other sometimes, but that's definitely the exception rather than the rule. Their marriage has lasted because they respect and listen to each other, they have lots in common, and their love has grown stronger and deeper over the years. Even though I am not married, if that does happen I definitely want my marriage to be like my mom and dad's.
- Apr 08, 2009
- Most remote location I've been to
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In 1994, while working on projects associated with the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, I traveled to Lillehammer, Norway, site of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Lillehammer is a small town, so they had to build all of these temporary structures for the athletes and visitors who were coming for the Olympics. I remember riding in a taxi and asking the driver to stop by a McDonald's drive-through. He had never seen a drive-through lane before, so before I knew he had pulled into the lane the wrong way so that the passenger side was right in front of the window....
- Apr 08, 2009
- About My Personal Life
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I have lived in Atlanta for more than 20 years. I really enjoy this place; the people are great, the weather is nice, and the cost of living is low. I am in my fifth year of my second career as a teacher; I spent 14 years in the telecommunications industry before quitting to return to graduate school to earn a teaching credential. I've also spent some time in Boston, which is very similar in concept to the Bay Area (but way colder and not as friendly). Would I like to return to the Bay Area? ABSOLUTELY! Can I afford it? ABSOLUTELY NOT! So I try to get home at least once a year to visit family and friends.
