I began life with a special gift of love and joy that I have been able to share with many persons that I have met through my journey of life. I have evolved and have assumed many roles during my life span that I will share with the reader. I began life as the middle child of my mother and father on October 31, 1947. I was their "treat and not their trick." (Smile) I have two older sisters and two younger brothers. I was intrigued with learning at an early age. I began peer tutoring in the second grade. Therefore, it was not a surprise to me, and those who knew me, that I would eventually become a teacher. Not to get ahead of my story yet, I will share with you how my dream to enter this profession became a reality, after many years.

My mother's dream for me was to enter the Air Force. One of her sisters pursued a military career and did very well in it. She thought that I would do well in this endeavor also. I wanted to go to college and my teachers thought that I should go too. They called my mother and spoke to her many times and tried to convince her that I should attend college. My mother would not sign the papers. After high school, I migrated to Philadelphia, found a job, and began taking courses at Temple University. At that time, I did not know the process for getting loans and finally dropped out of college for lack of funds.

Meanwhile, I was hired by Bell of Pennsylvania, which later changed its name to Bell Atlantic. I got married and continued to complete courses over the years. My dream was to become a full-time student. I was in a severe car accident in 1985 and as a part of my therapy, my doctor encouraged me to enroll in a college course. Though my body was racked with pain, I submitted to my doctor's plan for me. I began with one course at a time. My dream to become a full-time day student came true in September of 1991. I became a full-time student at LaSalle University and was introduced to the world of the Personal Computer. In 1994, I received a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a minor in Elementary Education. I was recruited for the Masters Program in Psychology and continued my pursuit of a degree in Elementary and Special Education. In January of 1997, I received a Masters in Psychology and completed the requirements for a degree in Elementary Education. Later, I began teaching and completed a degree in Special Education. As I have a great love of learning, I have completed thirty-six more graduate level courses to date.

In 1991, my son, Paul, went away to college and was introduced to the world of Apple/Macintosh (Mac). (I had already purchased an Apple IIE around 1987 and taught myself how to use it.) Paul came home so "fired up" about Macs, he didn't want me to consider buying anything other than Apple products. He won me over and he began looking for a User Group, so that we could learn more about Apple products. By joining the Main Line Macintosh Users Group (MLMUG), we both have learned a lot more about Apple products and have met some very nice people, as well.

Currently, I work in Norristown and have been the Project Director for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers for a year and a half. Paul and I set up and maintained After School Programs in three Elementary and two Middle Schools. The programs run five days a week for three hours each day. They consist of a structured Reading and Math program, Homework Help, and an hour of Enrichment/Recreation Monday through Thursday, and three hours on Friday. We have many partners that have collaborated with us to bring a variety of learning experiences to the students of Norristown. I have been able to share my gift of love and joy with the students in Norristown and have found a captive audience. Paul and I have cooked many fine meals for these students and have taken them on many rewarding trips. For the next six months, I will be completing some professional development requirements. However, we will not be surprised where the next step in the evolution of our career might take us. We are both open to what the future might hold for us. Our ultimate dream is for us to have our own Community Center one day. Both of us continue to improve ourselves to make our dream come true, though working in different fields at present.

— Paulette Freeman