Joanna (J.) Zietlow-Hogan:  

Life Graduated from Wausau High 1969. I absolutely hated high school and would have done anything to avoid it. My only "saving grace" were a few close friends. In high school my greatest lesson was in regard to the total superficialness and inhumanity that a few others can demonstrate; including educators. It is just too bad that those few can impact a person's life so dramatically. I learned that our greatest support must come from "self." I did learn to be very strong in the face of terrible adversities and misunderstanding which has become my greatest asset in completing my lifes' journey. After high school I attended Concordia College, Moorhead, MN (Music/Elementary Ed.), 1969-1970. I returned to Wausau, received my AA Science/Nursing degree and eventually moved to Minnesota. My life was no longer complicated, or awkward and it fell into place. My goals now became attainable and I became successful at any goal I set. I was married 1984, two children Shannon and Sean. I love gardening and out of doors activities; absolutely "HATE" winter and would love to move to Arizona. My husband works hard to keep our yard the "showplace" of the neighborhood and with my gardens it resembles a lovely park. I have a minature schnauzer, Pickles who adds much to our family. My daughter Shannon graduated from the U of MN two years ago and is finding her "nitch" in real estate developement/property management; her major was sociology. My son, Sean lived in Tampa, but has been back for two years now. He seems to have found a "nitch" in the construction field. He's a "hands on" person. I have tried to ingrain into my children the value of compassion and nonjudgement towards all people. My husband is in transportation. He is looking forward to retirement in a few years. I have spent much of my career working with the chronically and persistantly disabled attempting to make a difference in their lives and assisting them to be successful. My lifes' motto has been, "to make a difference in the lives of others," and "do no harm." It's fine to be a "caretaker" as long as you are not hurting anothers potential by doing so. I truly believe that these mottos can apply for all to follow. School I loved grade school until I was about 11 years old. At that time life became very complicated for me, full of isolation. I was not only a "fatty", but I was different. I attempted to just "trudge through" those years, but found them filled with torment and agony. I was faced with cruelty and torment from some peers on a daily basis. The hardest thing was trying to understand what I had done to deserve it all. I survived grade school, moved into junior and senior high. Again, I found some of the cruelest people that I would ever encounter in my life. I was literally afraid to go to school and at times I was afraid to leave the house. I would miss so much school that "Ol Gene" was calling my home daily. There were certain peers that found it especially rewarding to physically and emotionally abuse me on a daily basis. Some of my homeroom peers actually tried to throw me out of a third story window and then would laugh about how frieghtened I was. I remember the "terrible" bus rides home with the terrible beatings and verbal threats. Someone once said, "some good comes out of everything." I must say that I did learn I had to develope an inner strength that would carry me the rest of my entire life. I think that are many that are much less fortunate and have not found this inner strength. I will never forget the "bullies", but now I feel sorry for and forgive their miserable behaviors. I have never understood how "difference" can breed such contempt towards those who may be different and provoke abuse towards another human being. I certainly saw this in my high school years. Now, all my friends consider me a highly compassionate and nurturing individual. In adulthood I have realized that I am intelligient, important and certainly have much to offer other human beings. I give thanks daily for those who did support me and show me kindness in my childhood. College Concordia Collete, Moorhead, 1969-70. I thought choral music was going to be "my life." My that changed. University of Wisconsin, 1971-74 in conjunction with Northcentral College, 1971-74. Associate of Science 1974, Nursing. University of Minnesota 1984 completed Bachlors, Psychology. BSN, 1989 through Purdue University which my nursing program had been a "satellite" program of. Have been "plunking" along in the area of Public Health, but seem to always "fall-back" on the nursing as an income base. Now, have started my own company. Workplace Graduated in 1974, Associate of Science-Nursing. Worked as an RN in Intensive and Coronary care 1974-77. Nursing Supervisor and Nurse Clinician, State of Minnesota, 1977-current. Developed ESRUN Company 2002. Because of some complications with two serious work injuries I have left the nursing profession. My little company is now focused on computer peripheral sales. Since this initially been written there are a few changes. Those who knew me may recall I had a sister who was quite a bit older than I was. She has now moved to Minnesota and I care for her in our home. She's a lovely addition to our home and family and I dearly hope I am adding fulfillment and joy to her remaining years. She was one of the most important supports to my childhood and my growth in to adulthood. I only hope I can repay the strength she has provided me. WHAT ABOUT YOU WOULD "SURPRISE" EVERYONE AT YOUR HIGH SCHOOL REUNION? This was a "story idea" on the Classmates.com site. I really had to laugh ...Expand for more