Duan Maciel:
CLASS OF 1961
San Rafael High SchoolClass of 1961
San rafael, CA
Duan's Story
Life
After I graduated from San Rafael, I went on to Berkeley and stayed there for three years, after which I dropped out and got lost for what seemed like a hundred years, mostly doing stupid things and making unwise choices, causing myself more heartache than I care to think about. But I joined Al-Anon & learned a bit about myself, I hope.
Slowly started back to school, one class at a time mostly, while dancing & holding various other jobs. Had a dance studio for a while, which I thoroughly enjoyed until I hurt my knee beyond any more repairs. Also sang in a choir and in a small opera ensemble for many years, just for fun. Retired from dancing at age fifty, which isn't a bad run, when I think about it.
Somewhere along the line I got a B.A. at Dominican in English. Finally earned a Masters in counseling and dance/movement therapy in 1992 from Cal State, Hayward and have worked in the mental health field since, which I love. In 1997 went back to school and got my Ph.D coursework done in clinical psychology. Probably identify too much with my work but I'm happy! Have been working in an addiction recovery program for the last few years but quit to finish the dissertation, which I finally did in November, 2005. Just finished post-doctoral work at the Betty Ford Center and am now studying for the licensing exam. Sometimes it feels strange to be such a late bloomer but ...Expand for more
I think sometimes it keeps me young thinking if not young looking!
Been divorced for about eighteen years. Never had children myself but have a lovely 32 year old goddaughter, whom I consider my daughter in all but blood. She lives in the Los Angeles area. About two years ago moved from Sonoma County to Palm Desert, which is a huge transition for me, but I'm able to visit with my goddaughter much more.
Love to read just about anything and music is still a passion as are art and poetry. Like having friends over just to chat and laugh! Still love to cook for friends and family. Like gardening a bit and, although I don't do nearly as much of it as I'd like to do, I love to travel. A few years ago, I visited friends in Ireland and hope to return. Been back to Germany a few times but not recently, although I still keep up the contact with my German exchange sister. Visited France a couple times, just mostly passing through though. Have been to the Azores Islands and Portugal. Hope to visit Scotland and Italy some day. If I didn't have the minor inconvenience of earning enough to support myself, I'd probably travel all the time!
Would love to hear from classmates. Keep looking for the end button as I feel I'm just blathering at this point but can't seem to find it. As you all may have guessed, I'm still technicalogically (is that a word or did I just make it up?) challenged!
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