Tareen Davies - the 'sky' writer and mother!
| I came across your web page while surfing the web and, since you invited former students to write, I thought I would.
My name is Tereen Davies (although it has been a couple of other names in |
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Although I was definitely one of the 'misfit' kids at Carine, I have some fond memories. I remember having a few terrific teachers during my two years; Wendy Krautbauer, Linda Tinning, Wayne Constable, Rob Miller and my favourite teacher, Rod Quinn. I was quite a troubled teenager and inshort supply of positive male role models. Mr Quinn was the first man who treated me with respect, listened to what I had to say and mentored me in my writing. Mr Miller, my economics teacher was also supportive of me and I think he was instrumental in my being awarded the Reid prize for academic excellence in the Social Sciences in 1979. Wendy Krautbauer was the world's kewlest woman in 1979 and related to teenagers better than anyone I've ever met. Linda Tinning was classy and bright - probably my first example of a strong, independent woman. Sadly, Wayne Constable died a few years ago but he was probably one of the most outstanding teachers the profession has ever known; not to mention, a genuine individual. To tell you the truth, I butted heads with them all (including the principal because I insisted on wearing jeans to school) but twenty years later I smile with fond remembrance. When you are a teenager growing up, just a couple of patient adults who see the goodness in you can make all the difference in your life. Not many people saw much good in me, but those few teachers did.
I noticed from your site how much the school has expanded! My goodness! When Chris Waddell was the music teacher, the music department consisted of an office like a broom closet for him, and a few die-hard music-students. Now it appears you have an orchestra! I'm really pleased to see that.
When I came to the U.S., I wanted to be an astronaut. I pursued graduate studies in mathematics and molecular physics, however a massive car accident and, later, a serious Miocardial infarction at age 32 (so DON'T SMOKE!) put an end to that dream. Instead, I became a flight attendant with a major international airline so I could have a job with scheduling flexibility and great opportunities to do research, while I pursue a career as a writer. I have almost finished the first draft of a book which should be published next year. My work-route consists of Milan/Rome/Paris/Frankfurt/
London/Shanghai/Beijing and Amsterdam.
Leaving Australia and moving to the U.S. when I was 17, by myself, wasn't easy. I'm tough, but it was still difficult. I've made a life for myself, but I have done it without the benefit of friends and family, for the most part. Well, anyway, reading the Carine web site and receiving your emails has made me feel really warm and fuzzy.
I am now very much involved in teen issues and I love teenagers. Since those years were so difficult and isolated for me, teens have a special place in my heart. I am a member of American Mensa and I act as a mentor for gifted youth - to try and curb the high rate of suicide and substance abuse among highly intelligent teens. I'm very pleased and proud to see that Carine high is working so hard to meet the needs of the current crop of teens.
I have a ten-year-old daughter named Alexandra, who I am home-schooling. Please tell the above-mentioned teachers (if they are still around) that now I am raising a child just like me, I now know what they went through; my sincere apologies. I would love to hear from any of you.
I wish the best of luck to the current crop of Carine students. The world is becoming smaller every day and there are so many opportunties out there - so think big!
Tereen Davies