I was welcomed into the Pasquale and Clara Calo Italiano family, along with my twin sister Rose on a snowy April 2 morning. I was told there was great excitement in the neighborhood that day. We joined an older sister, Florence; and several years later, a new brother John, and sister, Frances completed our family unit.

My early years of childhood and adolescence were spent on the East Side of Youngstown. Nurtured by family and neighbors in a safe and secure environment, we attended St. Columba, Immaculate Conception, Oak Street, Lincoln; and, eventually East High Schools. When the family moved to the South Side of Youngstown, Rose and I chose to attend Ursuline High School and were graduated from there in 1950.

Upon high school graduation we enrolled in Youngstown College. Rose pursued a degree in medical technology and I enrolled in the School of Education. In 1952, there was an urgent need for teachers and I decided to complete courses and earn a cadet teaching certificate. My first professional assignment, a group of 48 lively students, was a double 3rd and 4th grade at St. Ann School in Youngstown. It was a year of many challenges, surprises, growth and blessings! And kids galore; I loved it!

The final two years of my college preparation were completed at summer school and night classes. In reflecting on these events; teaching full time, enjoying much of campus life, participating in Newman Club events, serving as class officers, contributing to the Jambar and Neon staff, serving as a founding member of a Service Sorority and helping with daily tasks at home - I wonder how I did it! Ah, the stamina of youth!!

After graduating from Youngstown College in 1954, I taught 3rd grade at Lincoln School in Youngstown City. It was at this time I began pursuing my Master's Degree in Elementary Education at Westminster College by attending evening classes. A deep desire to make teaching my life's career led me to investigate the teaching ministry of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown. I entered the Ursuline Sisters in 1955; made my first commitment in 1958 and a final commitment in 1961; and, joyfully celebrated my Silver Jubilee in 1981. Throughout these years I learned how to develop and apply the traditions and teachings of St. Angela, the founress of the Ursulines, to the needs of the students entrusted to my care.

A servant leader stance has motivated me to foster excellence in my students throughout my teaching journey, which included assignments at St. Charles - Boardman; Lincoln - Youngstown; St. Rose - Girard; Immaculate Conception - Youngstown; St. John - Campbell, and Holy Family - Poland. These led to my administrative ministries, at Holy Name School - Youngstown - 2 years; St. Patrick - Youngstown - 8 years; and Holy Family - Poland - 28 years. The challenges of my educational leadership, as Principal of numerous schools, have enabled me to direct and design many innovative programs for students and teachers.

Research has revealed that children in the central city atmosphere require hands on materials to learn life skills. With this in mind we created a home economic curriculum and supplied it with all the equipment needed to guarantee student success. Added to this program was a wood shop and sewing component equipped with the essential tools to properly teach youngsters practical life skills. This "new" idea was a huge success at St. Patrick School. I recruited business and community volunteers to work with these youngsters. It turned out to be a tremendous learning and living experience for both volunteers and students. They gained respect for each other's needs.

More recently developed educational programs for students at Holy Family School, include my designing: the first all day-everyday kindergarten in the area; an after school program for students whose parents work beyond school hours; a learning enrichment center for youngsters who needed extra time to master a given concept; a "School within a School" concept to address the educational and social needs of 6,7 & 8th graders; a Principal's Academic Awards Dinner to honor youngsters with a 3.5 or higher grade point average; and, a preschool program for 3, 4 & 5 year old children. I also introduced the National Junior Beta Club, which promotes service and academic excellence in the lives of middle school students, to Holy Family School. Each of these programs gave me the insatiable energy to move ahead.

These educational and professional aspects of my life were enriched by other influences: a fine relationship with the YSU Education Department; serving as a member of the YWCA Board of Trustees; being selected YWCA "Woman of the Year" in 1982; studying comparative educational practices in Amsterdam, Holland (A Delta kappa Gamma Scholarship); participating in Leadership Youngstown (1993); being elected to the Ursuline Sisters leadership team for 12 years; mentoring women in their spiritual journeys; and, following the leadings of the Holy Spirit to nurture a personal spiritual foundation which serves as my reason to diligently enflesh..... "the message and ministry of Jesus..." in our technological and global society.

The words of St. Angela, the foundress of our Ursuline community encourages me... "to act, bestir myself, and have a firm faith so I may experience wonders...." I thank God for the wonders I have enjoyed in and through: my birth family; my Ursuline Sisters' family of 49 years; my gifts of teaching and administration over 53 years; my love for students and their families; my genuine need to "instruct others unto justice," and my colleagues who support me. I ask God's special Blessing and peace on all who have brought me to this point in my life.