Philip Ruffolo:  

Life After living nearly 50 years in Chicago, and after a career as a commercial photographer, designer, master craftsman, I decided a change was in order. In 1999, I moved up to my property in northwest Wisconsin, halfway between Minneapolis and Duluth and about 40 miles inside Wisconsin. This sure does not look like Kansas, Toto! From my former life, I made a graceful transition into the field of health and lifestyle consulting. I have also founded a nonprofit organization as an educational outreach to inform people about healthy lifestyle choices. Since arriving here I spent three years on the Board of Directors of the Natural Alternative Food Co-op. During that time, I also served as editor of the quarterly eight-page newsletter. Eight years ago I became involved with the Community Education program and taught several computer oriented classes. My interest in computers led me to become once again, a full-time college student. I completed a degree in computer network administration and information security. Further, I obtained certification in nonprofit administration and human resources management. Yes, I lived on campus in a dorm and occasionally returned home for the weekends. I lived on the University of Wisconsin Superior campus. As of May 2006 I have graduated the CIS (Computer Information Systems) program with high honors and the Good Conduct Medal (no small feat living in a co-ed dorm full of teens away from home for the first time!) In October 2006 I accepted the position as Director of Community (Continuing) Education in the two school districts closest to my home. June 2007 marked my completion and certification as a Non-Profit Administrator. Just recently (Oct. 2007) I also completed certification as a Human Resources generalist. All of this is helping me to help others realize their dreams and potentials, and lead happier, healthier, more productive lives. Life is good! School Remember those sequences of subjects, we had to complete? When I entered high school the history requirement was the one I dreaded the most. However, I found several of my history teachers to be quite inspiring. The first name that comes to mind is Jim Pastersky. He, and a few others made the subject come to life for me. I did a complete turnaround, and my opinion of the subject has been forever changed. Indeed, I had several teachers, who made their subjects come to life. Who could forget Ralph Zekelman? Love him or hate him, he was a oner. And how about Ms. Rothfuchs trigonometry class? Believe it or not, I still use this information over and over. Of course, there were ...Expand for more