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ABOUT MEINTERESTS I HAVE IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER:
* Photography * Architecture & Interior Design, especially Mid-Century Modern aesthetics * Animals and being environmentally responsible * Old Hollywood movies * Reading, going to movies, running, biking, traveling * Harry Potter * Science, especially forensic sciences * History, especially women in history * Learning about technology * Learning about anything really * Spending time with family * Sharing my life with a wonderful man as we watch our son grow |
Back in the eighties, when I graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Microbiology, I could not decide what I wanted to do. I eventually focused on three potential career options: teacher, lawyer, or veterinarian. I come from a long line of teachers. I already had experience teaching drama at Lincoln County High School. While at UT, I tutored football players in biology. All of these facts combined to make teaching the most obvious option. I chose law school. Little did I know that practicing law could not keep me away from my love of teaching.
After obtaining my JD and passing the Bars of Alabama and Tennessee, I spent several years as an Assistant District Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee. I enjoyed my work immensely and grew as a person and professional. Despite my devotion to my career, I found time to volunteer in the local school system. I worked with students at Farragut High School as a coach and sponsor for their Mock Trial Teams. In conjunction with curriculum specialists and other professionals within the Knox County School system, I helped design and implement a six-week unit called Legal Lives for the system’s middle schools. This program concentrated on character development, citizenship, and civics instruction by bringing together students and community leaders.
Eventually, my husband and I returned to the Fayetteville, Tennessee/Huntsville, Alabama area in which we grew up as children. We have parents in the area, and it was important to us to be closer to them. My husband is an executive engineer at NASA, and he is as supportive of my career as he is dedicated to his own. We have been together for 26 years, and I am fortunate and honored that he is my husband and best friend. While we were content for years being just the two of us, we were surprisingly blessed with a son in 2003. He is the joy of our lives.
Having my son at the age of forty changed my life in more ways than I anticipated. I decided to leave the practice of law and focus on being the best mother I could be. As I saw my son grow and learn, it thrilled me beyond measure. We read books together whenever we could; and when I taught him how to read, I knew instinctively where my future was headed. When my son entered first grade, I went back to school as well to pursue a second degree in Elementary Education at UAH.
I am so excited about this new phase in my life. It feels right, and I am ready to be the best teacher I can be.
My husband and son have been so supportive, encouraging, and understanding about my changing careers. It was not an easy decision, but it was the right decision. It has not always been easy for them to tolerate a student for a mom and wife. They are the best. Thank you J & J. I love you both so much, and I am grateful that you love me.
After obtaining my JD and passing the Bars of Alabama and Tennessee, I spent several years as an Assistant District Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee. I enjoyed my work immensely and grew as a person and professional. Despite my devotion to my career, I found time to volunteer in the local school system. I worked with students at Farragut High School as a coach and sponsor for their Mock Trial Teams. In conjunction with curriculum specialists and other professionals within the Knox County School system, I helped design and implement a six-week unit called Legal Lives for the system’s middle schools. This program concentrated on character development, citizenship, and civics instruction by bringing together students and community leaders.
Eventually, my husband and I returned to the Fayetteville, Tennessee/Huntsville, Alabama area in which we grew up as children. We have parents in the area, and it was important to us to be closer to them. My husband is an executive engineer at NASA, and he is as supportive of my career as he is dedicated to his own. We have been together for 26 years, and I am fortunate and honored that he is my husband and best friend. While we were content for years being just the two of us, we were surprisingly blessed with a son in 2003. He is the joy of our lives.
Having my son at the age of forty changed my life in more ways than I anticipated. I decided to leave the practice of law and focus on being the best mother I could be. As I saw my son grow and learn, it thrilled me beyond measure. We read books together whenever we could; and when I taught him how to read, I knew instinctively where my future was headed. When my son entered first grade, I went back to school as well to pursue a second degree in Elementary Education at UAH.
I am so excited about this new phase in my life. It feels right, and I am ready to be the best teacher I can be.
My husband and son have been so supportive, encouraging, and understanding about my changing careers. It was not an easy decision, but it was the right decision. It has not always been easy for them to tolerate a student for a mom and wife. They are the best. Thank you J & J. I love you both so much, and I am grateful that you love me.