I'm A Clubwoman » elaine http://www.imaclubwoman.org A blog by GFWC volunteers Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:59:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 en hourly 1 She Still Shows the Spirit http://www.imaclubwoman.org/2009/01/she-still-shows-the-spirit/ http://www.imaclubwoman.org/2009/01/she-still-shows-the-spirit/#comments Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:58:07 +0000 elaine http://www.imaclubwoman.org/?p=44 My mentor, my aunt, Dr. Helen Smith.
 
I have looked up to my Aunt Helen as long as I can remember.  She was an example of New England (Vermont) steadfastness, honesty, loyalty, and wanted from me only the best I could produce.   She set the standard and bar high.  She encouraged me to aspire to higher education and to share any talents I had.
 
Aunt Helen was a teacher in Vermont for over 25 years graduating with a two year Normal School Degree. When I went to college she promised to return to school and get her four year degree and graduate with me.  She did exactly that, and in 1960 we both graduated from Castleton Teachers College (now Castleton State) with a BS Degree in Education.  Aunt Helen didn’t stop there she went on to get her Master’s Degree from Cortland State College in New York, and then her Doctorate in Education from Syracuse University.  She taught at Cortland State until her retirement many years ago.  I know that she inspired many young men and women to do their best in and out of the classroom. 

Aunt Helen has written many books and was instrumental and helping me  write a book “The Way Back Home” about my husband’s life. I respect her ability, and the kindness and love she has always shown me.  Though she is 91 years old now she still shows the spirit I have always known.

Thank you, Aunt Helen for being my mentor.

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