Janet Leonard:
CLASS OF 1978
Trinity High SchoolClass of 1978
Trinity, NC
High Point UniversityClass of 1996
High point, NC
Janet's Story
Well, I don't really know who would be interested in my mundane life; but, if there is anyone out there who might be just a little bit curious about me... here goes...
My plans after high school were to go to college and major in foreign languages...then on to the UN as an interpreter... Well, as I said...my PLANS were to do that...didn't happen. Fate, as it were, intervened, and I met my future husband during the last couple of months of high school. We were married a year later - college and the UN became a distant memory.
Things were tough going for a while, so my hubby joined the military, and we relocated to Charleston, SC. Gorgeous place to live!!! I loved every minute of it...until I got bored, and felt that I needed a challenge... I decided to join the Marine Corps (how's that for a challenge?). For those of you who might vaguely remember me from high school, you might recall that I wasn't exactly the athletic type - thus the challenge of the Marine Corps. Got my rear in shape VERY quickly. I learned a lot too; guess my favorite part was learning how to take apart an M-16 rifle and putting it back together in under two minutes - cool, huh? Marine Corps was a great accomplishment for me - I learned a lot about myself as a person, I'll tell you that. Found out there was a lot that I was capable of doing. I certainly gained confidence (something I'm sure I desperately needed).
The Marine Corps thing was cool; but, I had another life, too. My husband and I decided to start a family - ended up with two beautiful daughters (now grown). We also ended up back in Thomasville, NC so that our children would be able to know their extended family. If you had told me when I was 18 that I would end up working for the local furniture manufacturer, I would have laughed in your face. No Way!!! However, things are what they are, and I ended up taking a "part-time" position with the company - and it ended up lasting nearly 23 years!!! During that time, however, I was fortunate enough to get bored again; so, I decided it was time to pursue my college degree. Luckily, my employer was happy to pick up the tab for me, and I was able to get my bachelor degrees in Accounting, and in Business Administration and Economics. Graduated with honors, thank you very much... Instilled the love of learning in at least one of my darling children. Oh, well...Expand for more
one out of two ain't...you get the idea.
After 23 wonderful years with said employer, my husband (still pursuing his military career, and back from his requisite 15-month vacation to lovely Iraq) decided that WE needed a new challenge, so he took a position in beautiful Washington, DC. By this time, our older daughter was safely married, our younger daughter safely out of high school (thank God!), and ensconced in a job of her very own; and, since I was, once again, bored out of my mind, I agreed that it was probably time for a new adventure for us. So, we moved away from home (suck it up, kids). Now,we are footloose and fancy-free. A new home, a new life, new jobs (had to mention that - I now work for the US government - I could tell you what I do; but, then I'd have to kill you - sorry). Anyway, I just HAD to take up a new challenge, so I've gone back to school to get my Masters degree in Accounting and Financial Management with emphasis on Certified Fraud Examiner - sounds cool, doesn't it??
One of my most enjoyable pasttimes is working on my family tree. I have been able to research both my maternal and paternal branches, and have been able to find out interesting things about my clan. Even found out (surprisingly) that one of my ancestors truly came over on the Mayflower (no joke!). I also discovered several Revolutionary War soldiers (not necessarily "heroes"; but, they are there), as well as family members who fought on both sides of the Civil War. If you have never attempted to research your family tree, you should give it a try. It's amazing how much you can learn that you didn't know. It does, however, take lots of patience, so beware. Meanwhile, I occasionally dazzle people with my varied and limited linguistics skills (un peu Francaise et un petit peu Espanol - with a smattering of Deutsch (German, for you Anglicans out there). I also occasionally rewrite one of my great American novels that I have started over the years (and never finished) - maybe one day when I have some spare time....
By the way, my husband and I just celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary (marriages can work). Well, I guess you're up-to-date on me. I get bored very easily, so I'll TRY to keep anyone who might still be interested in my very boring life updated as much as possible.
Hope all is well with you and yours...
Regards,
Janet Potter Leonard
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