Val Paradise
E-Mail: vparadise@ofarrell-mail.sandi.net.
Social Studies teacher, 7th & 8th grades, O'Farrell Community School
Background
I was born in Salerno, Italy, and immigrated with my parents to the United States when I was approximately two years old. Most of my life has been spent in San Diego with the exception of my two year tour of Europe in the U. S. Army. My time in Europe helped me develop an interest in European culture and history, but also of other, more diverse ones too.
For over twenty years I was employed in various capacities at a local resort hotel. During this time I married, helped raise a step-son, and finally became divorced. It was only after being single again that I completed my B.A. degree and subsequently chose a career change. I find this much more rewarding and relevant to all the concepts and ideas that I have learned.
Interests, Activities, & Plans
As a humanist I have developed an eclectic appreciation of cultural contributions of many countries. However, I have come to understand European art, architecture, music, and history more profoundly. Consequently, I enjoy art museums, expositions, classical as well as modern music. I also have an appreciation of American art and music, especially jazz. But I have come to realize, also, that most artistic achievements are synthetic and borrow from different genres and cultures.
Other Interesting Things
Before embarking on my credential program, I spent much of my leisure time lanscaping. My personal sense of aesthetics allowed me to create,what was once, a colorfully diverse garden with various types of plants and flowers. Unfortunately, I now have little time for myself, and my garden has suffered accordingly. On occasion, when time permits, I like to indulge myself by going to a really controversial movie--the kind with a weird plot twist or an open ended ambiguous ending.
Favorite Places in Webspace
The jury is still out on this since I don't know enough about it. I think that I would be interested in a travel section-especially about exotic and interesting places.
L Last updated on Friday, September 26, 1997.
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