1994

Apologies to Laura Frem, who wrote to me way back when in December with her news. I hope all of this info is still true, but here goes...Laura has been living in Michigan (about 25 minutes outside of Detroit). She is teaching sixth and seventh grade at a school for children with behavior and attitude problems. "To put it simply," writes Laura, "it's quite a challenge." But she still has positive moments with the kids, and she is "developing a fine appreciation for some of the teachers that I haven't thought of in years." Laura's news is actually a good segue into a note I received from Katie Ruben, who has been teaching first grade in Newton, Mass., after having completed her master's in elementary education at Columbia in August. This past fall was the first in many years that Katie has not been a student. "However, the learning curve is as steep as ever and I am loving every minute of it," writes Katie.

More teachers are making it in Massachusetts, as I recently saw Kim Osgood, who is teaching fifth grade (math and science) in Westboro, Mass., while applying to master's programs in education for parttime study. And here's yet another tie-in to the world of teaching—Nicky Schmidt sent in a letter in late February to let us know about her adventures with Teach for America. "I am working down here in cotton country, the Mississippi Delta," writes Nicky. She is teaching high-school-aged boys with behavior problems "how to read, write, and comport themselves in the world without a high-school diploma." She will be taking a break from her grueling schedule this summer, however, and will be heading west to rock climb, hike, mountain bike, and run. "I will be meeting up for part of the time with Nina Cook, who has been leading rock-climbing and mountaineering expeditions since graduation."

Nicky has some Dartmouth company down in the Delta, as Gregg Costa is also there finishing his second year with Teach for America. "He is teaching fourth grade," writes Nicky, "and I am told his fourth-graders will soon be applying for early admission to Dartmouth." Nicky has also been in touch with Liz Berger, who is now over in Germany. Liz has been transferred by her company to Germany while she awaits fiance Jordan Freidman's return from Bosnia. They have not set a date for their wedding yet, but Nicky writes that "Liz loves Germany and says it has all been a great adventure."

Tamara Norman is still in Hanover, making up for all the terms she was off-campus during her undergraduate career! She is now completing her graduate work in the new M.A. program in comparative literature at Dartmouth. She really enjoys it, but is looking forward to taking time off before beginning her Ph.D. work. Oh, and here's something you've never read in this column before..."I'm also engaged" writes Tamara. She and fiance, Chris Smith '93, are very excited and are planning a September wedding in Hanover. "We hope to spend some time working in Russia in the next few years." And that's it for this month, everyone. As always, keep those letters coming!

3 Whittier Road, Milford MA 01757;