"Writing and editing have been a passion since high school. I always excelled in English courses and as I finished school at Roosevelt University, enjoyed writing and researching the many required papers. Everything was written in APA style guidelines for college, although I am familiar with AP (Associated Press) guidelines. When I can help a student improve in writing, spelling or other grammar, it makes me feel great! During the last 20 years, I have written hundreds of poems, some that are songs (although not formally published). This is a creative outlet for me and I would encourage students in this area. Bad grammar and typos in print drives me crazy!

Music is also a strong interest and love. I play French horn, and have given private lessons. Again, my goal is always teach the two basics for a wind instrument--correct breathing and hearing the pitch before playing. I have substitute taught in general music classes for K-5 and some middle school. I am very well acquainted with all of the basics of notation, time signatures, meter, rhythm, etc. I am active as a horn player in two regular groups.

I learned Spanish in middle school, continued in high school, and improved through friendships with native Mexicans and others from Latin American countries. I am currently working through the Rosetta Stone Latin American Spanish courses. As a substitute, I often teach the bilingual grade school classes. For many years I have been a sponsor, and now a Child Advocate, through Compassion, Int'l. All of my kids (by choice) are from Latin American countries--I write all of them in Spanish (they write back). In October, I am going on a one-week trip to Peru with other sponsors, and will meet Manuel, the boy I've sponsored for seven years. It is very exciting! We will visit projects in remote areas and see real poverty first hand.

With a degree and years of experience in hospitality management, I understand contract negotiation, food and beverage details, and have planned meetings from A to Z, also serving as onsite mana" less...