- Department: Education
- University: Charleston Southern University
- Location: South Carolina
I always wanted to be a teacher and a writer. With God's blessing, I have been able to do both. In fact, I teach to support my "writing habit." It was not an easy journey. As the oldest child raised in a strict, Italian Catholic family that did not readily support higher education for women, I found myself working two jobs at a time, maintaining academic scholarships, and finding my own way financially and spiritually. In many ways, it has been a good thing, since I understand the unique needs of first generation college students, young mothers, and those who must choose faith over entrenched family and cultural beliefs. Once I picked up a Bible to read it "as a book", I was changed....convinced completely of its power, authenticity,and authority. I left behind the idea of priesthood and sought the "priesthood of the believer" and still seek that path. I am a bit unconventional to some...challenging authority, doing yoga, vegetarian, and a preference for shiny fabrics and earrings. But, I have been married for 30 years; relish my role as a mother and wife; and support an unwavering commitment to the right to life position. I am interested in helping others to naturally, authentically, and joyfully live out faith in the classroom, wherever they are.
Favorite Quote
"Preach the Gospel. If you have to, use words." St. Francis of Assisi
Friends describe me
Energetic, idealistic, and funny
My hobbies
Yoga, reading, walking, puppies
Fantasy dinner guests
My grandma Anna LaPorta, Jesus the Christ, and My kindergarten teacher
Best advice I ever received
Just keep moving the herd roughly West...
My undergrad alma mater
The College of Charleston
My worst subject in school
Algebra
In college I drove
1968 Red, VW Bug
If I weren't a professor, I would
Just write
Favorite books
The Mitford series, poetry by Dickinson and Frost
Favorite movies
Napoleon Dynamite
Favorite city
Sorrento, Italy
Favorite coffee
Starbucks skinny latte with an extra shot
Nobody knows I
Am the voice of the
My latest accomplishment
New book called