MY JOURNEY TO THE FIELD OF EDUCATION
A Homepage adventure by Jill A. Inkel
    This Web site is dedicated to my parents for teaching me the skills needed to redefine myself in a changing world.  My father is a unique individual who encompasses a true work ethic in his life. He taught his family, by example, how to survive economic hardships and to persist in your life's goals.  When a situation seemed too daunting a task he would advise you to "just get started" in one area and expand your goals as you progress.
FATHER AND DAUGHTER RELATIONSHIPS
This inquiry project focused on the father and daughter relationship in children's  picture books.  A Perfect Father's Day By Eve Bunting
http://www.coe.ufl.edu/faculty/lamme/student/InquiryArticles/Father-DaughterRelationsh.html
    This Web site is unique because it encompasses another interest of mine and that is children's literature.  This Web author looked at children's picture books and researched for material about real life fathers and their roles in the family.  Fathers are very important to the development of children and their self-image.
 
 
 
 
 
 
    My mother embodied a unique quality of maturity and a desire to reach her full potential in her life's journey.  She never gave up exploring her interests in education, theatre and the arts.  She returned to school to complete her degree when I was in junior high.  The mother of four and working full time as a secretary she was a busy person.  What I realize now is she was driven by such high goals because it expanded her potential.  She joined the local community college theatre group and became a local star for her improvisational talents.  This was long before the Not Ready for Prime Time Players of Saturday Night fame and was scouted by the Hollywood community through Alan Arkin and the actor who played "Moe Green" in the Godfather. 
She also developed her interests in painting primarily through the the oil medium.  We her children and grandchildren are grateful to have in our homes beautiful works of art to remind of us her endless spirit.  We all feel fortunate to have shared our lives with this woman and continue living her adventure for life and our united goal of leaving this planet a better place for having been here.  "The wealth you gather will not be measured in dollars, but in the love you bring to your friends and family?"  Her quick Irish wit kept her from being perfect and drew interesting people and situations into her life.  
 
 

CYBERGIRL
http://www.cybergrrl.com/fs.jhtml?/views/mother/

    This site contains fun and interactive ideas for mother's and daughters.  How do you rate historically as a mother?  Are we improving or just stressing ourselves out trying to do it all.  Life is too short to be continually stressed.  "No one will care if your kitchen floor was clean when you are gone, so get out and enjoy life now."
 
 

    I grew attending Manchester Public Schools.  I enjoyed school and the social life it provided.  I was a serious student about my grades, but confused about my goals.  This was the early seventies and we were just recovering from the turmoil of the sixties.  I know I wanted a high paying career, but I was not focused on a path to this destination. http://www.manchester.ct.us/
 
 

    My years as an undergraduate at what was then called Manchester Community College were wonderful.  I built my confidence as a serious student.  My favorite part was attending college with my sister, Susan.  Susan and I are 13 months apart and dedicated to one another.  My sister Janet was an inspiration to both Susan and I.  She was the first female in our family to attend college.   My brother Ackey taught me how to have a sense of humor and to enjoy life.

Manchester Community Technology College
http://setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu//stats/team/team_48842.html

    I transferred to UCONN long before the days of the famous basketball college.  Working as a commuting student I had to stay on task.  I was employed at the Media Center on the Storrs Campus.  The co-workers were the best.  I still remember the highlights of two famous visitors.  The "Tin Man" from the Wizard of Oz, Ray Walston and "Arnold Horschack" from the Welcome Back Kotter television program.  They were happy and productive days.   I received by Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Sociology and a minor in Human Development Family Relations.

University of Connecticut
http://www.uconn-bball.com/
 
 

    My first experience with the work force was in the field of Banking.  I entered into the Checking Account Department and advanced to the Dealer Desk.  This department handled car loans from local car dealers.  My boss Frank was an excellent teacher.  I learned about office politics.  When the department closed I became the Mortgage clerk for Glastonbury Bank.  It was a very intense job.  I returned to college to improve my skill in accounting.  

Society for Savings and Glastonbury and Trust
http://www.state.ct.us/dob/pages/banklist.htm#statebt
 
 
 

    I wed my teenage "sweetheart".  He is handsome and strong, both inside and out.  He is an excellent partner and supports my dreams.  He is a loving father to our children.  We were married on a friday night at the parish of my youth.  The priest that performed the service was a friend of the family. It was a beautiful and happy occasion.  We have enjoyed over 25 years of a relationship we constantly work on.  We encourage eachother's interests and we rely on humor to get us through the difficult times.
 

Elegant Budget Weddings
http://www.ivillage.com/relationships/experts/experts_by_month/0,4815,28314,00.html

 
 
    We were married in September and I was expecting by the Thanksgiving holiday of that same year.  We embraced parenthood with enthusium, but were unpreparred for the reality of it.  Out first born was bright and inquisitive (aren't they all)!!!
Exceptional Parent Magazine
http://www.eparent.com/
 
 
 
    Geoff is a typical first born child.  His interests include playing the trumpet, the guitar and the drums.  He is an excellent soccer player, but lacks the time to include all these activities.  He is very supportive of the family.  He is a member of the high school jazz band.  We are always very proud of him.
Geoffrey Home Page
http://www.netcraft.com.au/geoffrey/
 
 
    Christopher was a long awaited joy.  He was born on Thanksgiving day.  His twin brother Derrick was born with Potter's Syndrome.  He was lucky to have an identical twin.  He was born premature, but we enjoyed his short life.  Christopher's personality seems to reflect this circumstance.  He is generous and kind.  He is an excellent drummer in his middle school's jazz band.  He is the best christmas present I could have given to his older brother.  They are very close and enjoy many activities together.
Drums Around the World at Your Fingertips
http://www.drumweb.com/index.shtml

 
    Kimberly was the first born female of my sisters and myself.  She is truly a joy.  Her interests vary so much from the boys.  She is very much like her mother which is both a joy and a curse.  I delight in sharing our interests.  She began Irish Step Dancing three years ago.  Her interest have broadened to include play the violin and reading Beverly Cleary novels.  She helps me stay centered.
Irish Step Dancing A Brief History
http://tigger.cc.uic.edu/~aerobin/irhist.html
 
 
 
 
    I returned to the work force by volunteering at our local elementary school in the library.  There I met two very important women who have influenced my life a great deal.  They encouraged my interests in education and demonstrated to me how to accomplish my goals of becoming an elementary school teacher.
Elementary School Libraries on the Web
http://www.venus.net/~nwashel2/oth.libra.ala-mon.html

 
 
 
    My breif career as a substitute teacher helped to develop my interests in being an educator.  I began to feel if I could survive substutute teacher, I could survive anything.
Substitute Teaching
http://staffresources.lisd.k12.mi.us/sub.html
 
 
    The final member to join our family is our dog, Brutus.  He is an adorable three year old yellow lab.  Now that we are past the  "puppy years", he is a great comfort.  There is never a sad moment with him around.  He greets us with joy and requires very little in return.  He will walk freely without a leash and respond to commands.  I am very happy we made the financial and emotional investment into this dog.
Classic Labrador Retrievers
http://www.classiclabs.com/index.html

 
 
    One of my greatest interests is in the opera.  My dream is to attend an opera at the Met in a stretch limosine and emerge wrapped in a full length mink.  I may be a grandmother attending with her grandson, but I hope to relize this dream.
Metropolitan Opera Tickets and Other Opera Tickets
http://www.tixx.com/opera.html
 
 
 
      A dear friend of mine introduced my to the art of quilting.  Graduate school allows little time for me to pursue this interest right now.  I find it relaxing and rewarding to create beautiful patterns out of fabric.  It is an art handed down by women over many gereration.  I am pleased it has renewed interest in the new millenium.

Quilting for Beginners
http://www.ccdboces.com/quilting.htm
 
 
      My work in the elementary school library peaked my interest in children's literature.  It is very rewarding to observe children develop and interest in reading.  Some of my favorite children's authors include Beverly Cleary, Judith Viorst and Robert Munsch.

Reviews of Children's Literature
http://mgfx.com/kidlit/kids/artlit/reviews/index.htm
 
 
 
    I was very fortunate to be in the right place at the right time when the principal of our elementary school asked me if I would be interested in becoming a reading tutor.  I quickly became hooked on reading development.  There is so much out there to help children become lifelong learners through reading.  I enjoy going to work everyday and look forward to applying my skills in the classroom as an elementary school teacher.
Reading Tutors Needed
http://finaid.csusb.edu/amrinfo.htm
 
 
 
      My journey to ECSU was uneventful.  When I came to visit MaryAnn Signs to find out how to matriculate she was encouraging and supportive.  I wonder how many lives she has influenced when she worked at ECSU?   I am greatful I had a chance to meet her.  I was also pleasantly surprised by the friendly and helpful attitude of the faculty and students at this university.  I hope  to gain many skills to take to my career in teaching.  I know computers are tools I will encorporate in my classroom.

Eastern Connecticut State University Mainpage
http://www.easternct.edu/
 
 
    My favorite author is May Sarton.  Her use of language in poetry and novels is exquisite.  I remember introducing a friend to her work and she said, "I never had been exposed to such well written literature and my reading choices will never be the same.
May Sarton A Poet's Life
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~mmbt/women/sarton/blouin-biography.html
 
 
 
    In conclusion, I can not wait to begin my career as a teacher.  I will surely be a devoted Web brouser of Teachers. Net.
Teachers Net Teachers Resources
http://teachers.net/