When I told Michael Carter I would happily contribute something to our blog, something which usually comes so easily to me, I found myself stymied. I was going to talk about the traditions which have changed so drastically over these 50 years, but it wasn’t flowing as I hoped. Along came Anita and Helen; their words gave me inspiration.
Fifty years, really? I think of the Simon and Garfunkel song, “Old Friends” being 70 and realize we are almost there. The life I imagined after high school took a different path. High school memories are sweet. I remember when dating was a process. You had to be asked out at least a week ahead of time, found a special outfit, and the boy came to the door which parents answered. School holds special memories of boys holding your books and walking you to your next class. Those traditions have disappeared through the years as have many others, which brought excitement to everyday high school years.
The life I imagined after high school took a different path. There are parts of myself I remember from the days of being a Patriot, but it’s like a puzzle when some of the pieces are missing. I continue to find pieces as the seasons of my life have changed, but I know it will never be finished; I don’t want it to be finished. I like change as it takes courage. When life takes you down a different road, you can either let it stunt your growth or accept the challenge.
I have been a speech-language pathologist for almost 45 years. Attending CSU for my undergraduate years was all I hoped it would be and more. My parents’ progressive thinking and teachings lent themselves to my being part of the peace movement. Jeannie Kleinman, a flower child? Peaceful activism continues to flow through my veins, growing and maturing. As those years at CSU came to an end, and I attended graduate school at the University of Denver, my outward activism took a place in the background. I had a lot to focus on as I completed my studies.
I never planned to make Colorado a permanent home. I am from New York, and the East Coast appealed to me. What I lacked was experience, and what I thought would be five years in Colorado Springs has ended up to be forty-four. My path was supposed to lead me to a new place, but that didn’t come to fruition. Marriage, a child, divorce, and necessity has kept me here.
It’s easy to make a place for yourself when you’ve been somewhere this long. You develop a reputation, a standing in the community when you are involved not only in the public schools but in volunteer activities. I’ve thought many times about moving back to Denver, where my family is, but there is something comforting about running into people you know when you are out somewhere.
I did retire two years ago and yet work part-time, which is an oxymoron in itself. I left the youngest students where I had worked for so long, to challenge myself in middle school, which is something I do love. There are 1000 students at my school, which seems large until I realize that was just two shy of the number of students in our class at GW. I have learned much from these young adults. In this world of ours, they need much more than just instruction.
The basic tenents of who I am have remained, but have been shaped by my commitment to advocacy not just for myself, but for those underserved in our community. I have a wonderful son who met his wife while they were both at DU and finished their graduate work. I love being a grandmother with two delightful grandchildren. My granddaughter is seven, and my grandson is four. My favorite name is Grandma Jeannie.
When the plans for the reunion were initially brought up almost a year ago, the memories, people, and where I was at that time in my life, brought back vivid pictures. I am grateful to have spent my childhood with some of you since elementary school. I never thought those relationships would become memories, but when life takes you on a different and all-consuming path, you go in that direction. Though I have only seen some of you at previous reunions, I appreciate all of you who contributed to making sweet memories of the days of my youth.Enjoy your time to reminisce about what we shared as if it was yesterday. Time vanishes when childhood friends meet once again.
With love and peace,
Jeanne Kleinman Williams
Hi Jeannie. I enjoyed reading your blog. In fact, I’ve enjoyed reading the blogs of all the brave classmates who have contributed memories and words of wisdom, gained with the passing years. I share some common background, as you may remember, with our chosen career. I retired four years ago, with the exception of some professional involvement, a few times a year. I didn’t know that you earned your graduate degree at DU, as well. I thought you were going to attend the reunion and was looking forward to sharing conversation. Thanks for the update and for contributing to the planning of our 50th reunion.
It was so nice to hear from you, Susie. Some things came up unexpectedly and I will miss seeing everyone.
I remember you as an SLP, too. We saw each other at some conferences many years ago. It is a wonderful career. It has surprised me how much I am enjoying middle school.
Thank you for your note. My best to you and your family.
JEANNE, you are as cute as ever. Love your picture. I just retired in June, but, also working another couple of years. I never married. I have no children, that I know of….lol. I have always wanted to use that line. See you very soon.
Ollie.
Thank you for the kind words, Ollie. I appreciate the friendship we shared at GW.
Love,
Jeanne
Hi Jeannie! I really enjoyed reading your blog. I do agree that life doesn’t always turn out as planned and that makes it amazing….never thought I would hate living in California! Loved my career and my jobs throughout my life…wouldn’t change anything.
Hi Sherrie,
Thank you for taking the time to read through my activities over the past 50 (!) years. When life gives you another path, as you said, you must go with it.
Love,
Jeanne
Attending GW was an overwhelming and enriching experience for me The school’s location was far from my parent’s house and I was bussed in. The mix of religious faiths represented in our class gave me an opportunity to learn more than math, science and English. We read The Diary of Anne Frank for an English class assignment. When we discussed the book in class with students who were Jewish, Greek Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant Christians, it hit home that history and literature are not only windows to the past. History and literature are also maps to a better future. I learned that I had to be prepared to take a stand for right and against wrong. I learned to think beyond the book and into human history. Most important, I learned how to express a thoughtful opinion. I learned that every student at GW didn’t think the same way I thought. We had different experiences, different family backgrounds and different points of view. Most importantly, I learned that literature and history are subjects constructed from human experiences, good and bad. As the past 50 years have gone by, have realized my GW high school lessons were more than classroom lessons. . What I learned at GW was greatly enriched by every student who walked those hallways with me.
Dear Kristen,
What beautiful words you wrote for such a meaningful look at the world we discovered at GW. I agree that knowing people of all backgrounds adds a richness to our lives. Living in Colorado Springs, the diversity is not what I experienced in Denver and I’ve missed that.
I do have the opportunity to work with children and their families who are experiencing the need for support and that has been a rewarding experience.
Love,
Jeanne
Jeanne, your post captures a lot about where we were in our journeys back in the late 60’s and how the takes unexpected turns after that. Thanks!
Thank you for your post, Jeanne. I very much enjoyed reading it. Glad you stayed in Colorado instead of running off to the East Coast.
We REALLY hope to see you some time. All the best.