What did you do right after we graduated?

Worked at several clerical jobs in the area -- my COT training and

AAHS's Stenographic curriculum gave me some work experience to

start and served me well. I met my future husband while working at

King Seeley Thermos Co. I was in the Steno pool, he was in

Accounting.

What has been your occupation(s) over the past 50 years? Tell us

about any highlights or cool things that you’ve been a part of.

Worked in the Art Dept. of a newspaper, which led to 30 years of

working in commercial printing as a graphic artist. Also did some free

lance non-fiction writing or "stringing" for two central Michigan

newspapers and several other magazines and annual reports. Directed

a small township library in Camden, Michigan and obtained a grant

from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for computers for the library

which served a high poverty area. Worked at EMU for eight years in

three different positions before retirement. Obtained an Associate in

Arts degree with honors from WCC in 2007 -- it only took me about 30

years:) Sang in a gospel choir.

Where have you lived, and where do you live now?

Ann Arbor, Hillsdale County Michigan, Volusia County Florida, back to

Jonesville, MI and then back to Ann Arbor -- full circle!

Are you retired? If so, what are you doing in retirement?

Yes, I retired at 66. Retirement activities include playing the mountain

dulcimer, dabbling in watercolor painting, reading for fun and

enlightenment, visiting with family and friends, taking classes and doing

things I've always wanted to do, but never had time for, i.e., travel.

Please tell us about your family, spouse/s, children,

grandchildren, etc.

Married for 45 years and have one son. No grandchildren, but a sweet

(though quite unruly) golden retriever.

What interests/activities do you find most satisfying?

Reading, listening to music, art, museum visits, visiting with family and

friends, singing, mountain dulcimer and water color painting.

Did you have experiences in High School that influenced later

choices in your life?

The COT program and the Stenographic curriculum gave me a good

start with business and clerical skills, which enabled me to find basic

employment early on. I did go on to find work I found more satisfying

later on in the graphic arts and library science fields. I always loved

learning -- still do.

Do you have any memories from High School that you would like

to share?

I still love 60's rock and roll and apparently committed many of the

lyrics of those songs to memory; I couldn't put that on my resume, but

can sing along with most of the oldies. Over my lifetime I have come to

wish I'd spent more time on academics, in particular my junior high

school French and Science classes.

What else would you like us to know about?

I am in fairly good health and am appreciative that I am still here and

still standing. I have a lot of wonderful memories of my childhood and

teen years in Ann Arbor. I am grateful my family settled here. It's been

a good place to be from and a good place to return to -- I missed it

(even the Michigan winters) when I was out of state.