Stephanie Bissland:
CLASS OF 1968
Bethesda-Chevy Chase High SchoolClass of 1968
Bethesda, MD
Windham CollegeClass of 1972
Putney, VT
Marjorie Webster Junior CollegeClass of 1970
Washington, DC
Rumson-Fair Haven High SchoolClass of 1968
Rumson, NJ
Juneau-Douglas High SchoolClass of 1968
Juneau, AK
Stephanie's Story
Life
All sorts of interesting things have happened as I skipped and stumbled down the road of life.
I've stayed mostly in Alaska, but go back east to my roots regularly. My closest friends, though miles away are still my high school buddies.
Travel overseas is also a treat and I have been very lucky to have been to Europe, Scandanavia, Israel, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong. My last trip was summer of 2002 to Scotland; and I'm visiting a high school friend who's been living in Spain this summer. I dabble in languages, but fear I will never argue politics with a cab driver-basic needs is as far as I seem to get.
Music and costuming are for fun activities, and lately I've been involved with the Scottish Cub; but for years I played bluegrass music and enjoyed performing at festivals up and down the Alaska railbelt.
When I retire, I want to sail--in warm water, and go horseback riding in interesting places. Alaska will still be home...what a state; but longer trips outside are in the offing!
UPDATE: I retired in 2005 and did go sailing, but in the cold waters from Newfoundland (where I once lived) to Cape Bretaon; then did a road trip through Nova Scotia. If I worked, I could travel more, but I don't want to work. I do freelance editing for quick cash and am involved in theater as a costumer, set dresser, and actress. Imagine being an ingenue at 58!
College
Just like the military junior I was, going to three high schools, I also went to three colleges!! Actually, four if you count the arts seminar I took at George Washington University in the summer of 1968.
Marjorie Webster was first and I got a certificate in R...Expand for more
etail Merchandising.
Next one year at Windham College in Putney VT--a lost but fun year!
Last was University of Alaska at Anchorage from 1972 to 1975. Graduated with a BA in History/Anthropology minor. Found my stride and direction there.
Workplace
Summer jobs at with the State of Alaska until beginning civil service with the Bureau of Labor Statistics in Washington, DC from 1971 to 1972. Back in Alaska to finish college, I began part-time in the Personnel Office of the Bureau of Land Management and loved it--lots of activity going on hiring and maintaining a workforce conveying land to the state, Native Corporations, mineral leasing and the wonderful firefighters.
In 1987 I transferred to the Immigration & Naturalization Service in the Anchorage District Office where I held various job titles but mostly worked the information counter until 1992 when I became the Adminstrative Officer. As we move into the Department of Homeland Security I'm not sure where I'll end up, but look forward to retiring in 29 months. I am happy to be included in Who's Who of Public Administration.
Like the Scarecrow in Oz, I have what it takes, but is nice to have the credentials!
I've also served on various Boards of Directors for property associations and non-profit ethnic clubs; and have performed by night and weekends in several Bluegrass bands.
It all works together!
Okay: So now I'm an actress--starting at the Anchorage Community Theater and continuing with dinner theaters, commercial spots, extra in indie movies. I've also worked behind the scenes doing set dressing, props and costuming. Keeps me off the streets! What will 2012 bring???
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