Andree Close Hall

Even though the dust of the Texas Panhandle will always run through my veins I still experience bouts of California dreamin'. If we had stayed in Texas I would have been part of Our Lady of Good Counsel School's (now Bishop Dunne Catholic School) class of 1964 but we moved to California during the middle of my eighth grade and I became part of Saint Monica's Mariners. My best friend in high school was Cathy Condie and we made a lot of memories together.

After graduating from Saint Monica's, I went to the University of Missouri to major in journalism but I fell in love with Thomas Hardy and changed my major to English Literature. I met my ex-husband in an International Relations class, we were married for almost 30 years and we lived all over the United States and traveled the world.

After I graduated from college,we moved to Alabama where I taught first grade. Next we moved to Maryland where I taught fourth grade. We then moved to Kansas where I taught high school English Literature and French. While living in Kansas, my son was born. He is now married, a Philosophy professor and a new father.

Our next move was to Colorado where I lived for over thirty years. I was able to get my master's degree & principal's license while still teaching. I finally retired from teaching and am now living in Kentucky where I'm enjoying being a grandmother. I currently work, online from home, for the Educational Testing Service and I consult with non profits as a grant writer. I have been lucky enough to travel the world and make many friends from different cultures. Yet, I still remember my impactful years at Saint Monica's. I also remember that fateful day, in November 1963, as I sat in class and heard President Kennedy had been assassinated. I think that was the day I began the journey into the woman I am today.