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Born and raised in COrpus Christi, I was dragged out of Texas at 13, kicking and screaming, thinking my world was comin to an end - and what true Texan wouldn't? However, within 6 months of arriving in California, there was no way I was going back! California opened up new worlds and opportunities. The diversity of the population and the acceptance of those different than me was invigorating and mind expanding. There was always something new to experience and to see or do! I love California! Though I left after college (following my family who had been transferred to St. Louis, MO), marrying in Missouri, and later moving to Colorado primarily due to the skiing, I returned after divorcing, raised my two beautiful daughters as a single parent and have remained here.
As a teenager, I received numerous awards for scholarship, public service and talent. I was offered scholarships in voice to three prestigious universities, but opted instead to accept a scholarship to Stanford University where I studeied political science and international relations and sang every opportunity that came my way. After graduation, a shortage of teachers nationwide led me into the teaching profession. As a first year high school teacher, I felt like the "utility" player on a baseball team- you know the one who plays any position needed? I had 5 different subject preparation - sociolgy, US history, world geography, current events and 7th grade girls' glee! But the 80 mile round trip commute got to me, and I accepted a position as a 4th grade teacher closer to home. During that time teaching, I completed all required coursework for my master's in education. As an endlessly curious person who values learning, I have gone back to school to study interior design, interior architecture, and business on the master's level. But, my interests are so wide reaching, that I just couldn't settle on one field of study. Life is continually changing and evolving, and I with it!
A single parent, I raised two wonderful, accomplished daughters who have blessed me with 4 of the world's greatest grandchildren! As a woman and mother, I sought daily to prepare my daughters to become strong, capable, self-sufficient and independent women. I am also blessed to have a "daughter by choice" who came to live with us at 15 - a somewhat lost and boy-crazy teenager. Today, I am proud of the successful woman she is and like to believe that I had a part in that transformation.
In each career position I have held, I was first and foremost an educator. I have had careers in education, design, caterin, tax shelters, mortgage, real estate, packaging, gift and gourmet food products. Today, my focus is primarily on seniors and two income families, assisting in making their days easier by taking care of tasks that simply do not get done or helping to organize their lives or shopping or de-cluttering. It is very gratifying to make someone's life easier.
I am very excited about serving as Ms Senior California for 2011 and am looking forward to bringing as much attention as possible to the resources, skills, knowledge, talents, and experience that the millions of seniors in this country possess!
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