At our age, we tend to look back on the joys of our life, and give thanks to God for those; and sometimes they have been dark parts of our lives where we just had to thank God for getting us through them. I would think that in any lifetime there would be a number of memorable events. For example, serving in the US military would be something where a person would create memories that would be treasured and talked about for the rest of one's life. For others, it might be achieving an educational milestone, or it might be an award winning situation or other similar event where one is recognized for achievement. I am thankful for Hillsborough High School and here are some of my memories traced directly to attending the home of the Terriers.

For me, I fully believe my career in medicine was God called. I didn't launch it until I was married with two children. It was tough; I was determined. So in 1969 I gave my first "bed bath" and the work was on. Besides my faith and family, nursing was my life. For the next 53 years continuing education would be my middle name. A college degree was not enough, so as a registered nurse I added credentials in critical care, cardiology and oncology. As a CCRN I worked only in units where the lives of patients were seriously at risk. I have worked in just about every ICU in Hillsborough County, and was the nurse in charge of a complete hospital floor for six years. My last 14 years were working in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Moffitt Cancer Center. I loved it. Although now retired, I am still licensed and helping those who are hurting and in special need. I give God the glory at all times. And, yes, I am regularly into my medical reference books and, as I said, keep licensed in the state through continuing education credits.

My years attending HHS were a starting point for this future. While playing the flute and piccolo in the Big Red Band, I learned the importance of performing one's job to a high standard and of the value of teamwork. I was also fortunate to be a member of a number of the HHS clubs (including the Futures Nurses Club) and similar organizations that operated at our school. In some of these I was privileged and honored to serve in leadership positions that later helped me develop the nurses I supervised. In the band and in these other organizations I formed many close relationships that still exist today.

I also liked all my teachers, especially Mr. Solak, Mr. Matthews, and Mr. Buckley. Life was great and I cried the night of the Class of '62 graduation. I should note that my mother was a graduate of Hillsborough High School and so is my daughter.