Donna Bergen:
CLASS OF 1972
Eastridge Senior High School & Ninth Grade AcademyClass of 1972
Rochester, NY
Donna's Story
Life
1/30/09 I still live in the Seabreeze neighborhood I grew up in. It has been a terrific place to raise my three children, Erin, 29, Peter, 28 and Emily, 25. They are all graduates of EHS where I currently work in the library.
I have two grandchildren, Jack born 2/03/07 and Elizabeth Grace born 11/17/08. Being a nana is one of life's greatest blessings.
I was married for 27 years but am now single. It has been a difficult transition but I have learned to celebrate life again. I am forever grateful to so many friends who helped sing my praises when I couldn't remember my song. I have learned a lot about my own strength and the real importance of my family and friends.
"Women are like teabags. You never know their full strength until they are in hot water."
My life philosophy is simple...I try to live by the "Golden Rule." I have championed many causes mainly having to do with children who often have no voice.
My favorite passage is Success:
To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayl of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better,
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier
because you have lived.
This is to have SUCCEEDED.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
I have been an active member of the East Irondequoit community for many...Expand for more
years and am a proud member of the Eastridge Hall of Fame of which I am currently chairperson. Karen VonSauers is on the committe. It is amazing to work with her as a peer. I consider her one of my mentors along with Alice Webster. This honor was created by Dr. Odell to recognize the accomplishments of former students so they may inspire current students. If you know of anyone you would like to nominate you may contact me through EHS. Fellow 1972 classmates Kevin Yatarola, Kathy Mahoney, Cindy Heir, are members as well.
The bonds of friendship we laid the foundation for so many years ago are a special treasure. The amazing thing is that, even if we have not seen each other for years, at each reunion I have attended, we greet each other like it was just yesterday. Luckily, I am in touch with some of you.
I have many fond memories of my life at EHS. Working here reminds me that the students of today go through the same hopes, apprehensions, and acceptance anxieties that we did. With the distance and wisdom of age I try to calm their fears. They in turn gave me a purpose and helped me get back on track as I struggled to embrace my new life. Earning the trust of young people is a powerful gift. They give me faith that the future is in very capable hands.
I look forward to hearing from you. I hope life is treating you well.
Fondly, Donna
Pray for peace, the safe return of our troops, and for the courage and strength to those who have suffered such unbearable losses.
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