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Swell
Reads
Volume D
Perri D'Armond
Vice President of Government Relations for the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council
We are a public/private partnership of Fort Bend county and city governments, school districts, and businessmen who all work together to create a better place to live, work and play in Fort Bend County.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?A veterinarian at first, but then settled on becoming a teacherWhat was the best course you took in school that helps you today in your career?Typing! It is one skill that I literally use every day.What do you do for fun?I love to read a good book where I can just lose myself in a different place or time. Do you have any hints for girls as they select a career?If you really think you want to be a vet (or teacher or whatever), visit one, and see if you can do an internship or spend some time with them during a regular day to find out what its really like to hold that position. You might love it or find out that it really isn't for you. Ask lots of questions. Remember that a positive attitude is your best asset. What are your favorite books to read over the summer?During the summer, I like to read fun stuff: romance novels, thrillers, science fiction, and cookbooks. I love to cook, and some cookbooks have such great history in them. I don't think I have a single favorite, but if I had to choose, it would probably be something by Nora Roberts
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A veterinarian at first, but then settled on becoming a teacher
What was the best course you took in school that helps you today in your career?
Typing! It is one skill that I literally use every day.
What do you do for fun?
I love to read a good book where I can just lose myself in a different place or time.
Do you have any hints for girls as they select a career?
If you really think you want to be a vet (or teacher or whatever), visit one, and see if you can do an internship or spend some time with them during a regular day to find out what its really like to hold that position. You might love it or find out that it really isn't for you. Ask lots of questions. Remember that a positive attitude is your best asset.
What are your favorite books to read over the summer?
During the summer, I like to read fun stuff: romance novels, thrillers, science fiction, and cookbooks. I love to cook, and some cookbooks have such great history in them. I don't think I have a single favorite, but if I had to choose, it would probably be something by Nora Roberts
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?A clinical child psychologistWhat was the best course you took in school that helps you today in your career?Without question, Major Works English in 11th and 12th grade at Bellaire HS, taught by the incredible Shirley Wiley. She taught me to think.What do you do for fun?Organic gardening at our place in Central Texas. Do you have any hints for girls as they select a career?Follow your passion. I have been passionate about the performing arts for many, many years. I put that to work every day here at Miller Outdoor Theatre.What are your favorite books to read over the summer?Gone with the Wind
A clinical child psychologist
Without question, Major Works English in 11th and 12th grade at Bellaire HS, taught by the incredible Shirley Wiley. She taught me to think.
Organic gardening at our place in Central Texas.
Follow your passion. I have been passionate about the performing arts for many, many years. I put that to work every day here at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
Gone with the Wind
Cissy Segall Davis
Managing Director of Miller Outdoor Theatre
I supervise the grants program that determines the shows that will be part of the Miller Theatre season of free performances each year. I also select a few other productions from around the country and the world to present each year.
Anne Doventry
Community Education Specialist & Web Designer for Swell Reads, Read Around the Bases, and The Greensheet Youth Scoop
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?I changed my mind a lot. My possible choices included doctor, lawyer, businesswoman, marine biologist, supreme court judge, and writer.What was the best course you took in school that helps you today in your career?Psychology, especially child psychology. Really throughout my schooling, I was not only taking in the class content, but I was also learning about teaching and learning styles from my educators and peers.What do you do for fun?I play with my kids, spend time with my family and friends, cook, eat, garden, and read. Do you have any hints for girls as they select a career?Don't worry too much about it, just do what you love and do it well. Things will fall into place if you keep an open mind and an open heart.What are your favorite books to read over the summer?I love Harry Potter and anything magical! I also love The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, which is the literary equivalent of comfort food for me. I grew up reading the books of Edward Eager. I also recommend anything by Lauren Child. She is so whimsical and clever. Clarice Bean Spells Trouble may be my favorite book of all time.
I changed my mind a lot. My possible choices included doctor, lawyer, businesswoman, marine biologist, supreme court judge, and writer.
Psychology, especially child psychology. Really throughout my schooling, I was not only taking in the class content, but I was also learning about teaching and learning styles from my educators and peers.
I play with my kids, spend time with my family and friends, cook, eat, garden, and read.
Don't worry too much about it, just do what you love and do it well. Things will fall into place if you keep an open mind and an open heart.
I love Harry Potter and anything magical! I also love The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, which is the literary equivalent of comfort food for me. I grew up reading the books of Edward Eager. I also recommend anything by Lauren Child. She is so whimsical and clever. Clarice Bean Spells Trouble may be my favorite book of all time.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?When I was 5-years-old I received a doctor's bag filled with fake medicine and a stethoscope. I would go around the neighborhood giving people physicals and believing that I was really doing what a doctor would do. I checked vital signs and handed out my candy prescriptions. Therefore, I was a doctor until I actually got into college and changed my mind to become a journalist. What was the best course you took in school that helps you today in your career?The best course in school that helped me in my job today is truly every course in school. In this business you have to know a little about a lot. On the talk show for example, we have several segments on medical issues (science and health classes). We also do a lot of entertainment on the show (drama class and band). We have done shows that deal with various issues in society (history and political science classes). However, if I had to pick one class that influenced me, I would probably say my drama class because it was my drama teacher who suggested I choose television as a career. He said I should use my personality.What do you do for fun?Our idea of fun can change over the years. I've had the advantage of travelling the world but my greatest joy comes from spending time with my son, husband and friends. Sometimes the best time is spent over a good meal with the people you love.Do you have any hints for girls as they select a career?When you choose your career path, think about the thing that you have always naturally done. For example, I loved meeting new people and I always asked a lot of questions. That's perfect for someone who interviews people for a living! Many people make the mistake of choosing a career because they think it will somehow make them more accepted in society. People often equate fame and fortune with happiness. If you do not love what you do, you will not be happy. If you choose to do something that calls on your natural abilities and likes although you may work hard you won't necessarily feel like you are "working! What are your favorite books to read over the summer?"One Nation Under Blog" by David Wallace. In this information age that we are in now, more than ever we have to be careful about decerning the truth. David points out in the book how dangerous the written word can be, especially on the internet where the laws protecting people are not as strong. Many times people repeat what they "heard" or what they "read" as the truth without varifying the information. Lies have damaged so many people, and in the news recently, we saw how vicious words have driven some teens to commit suicide. As the song "Heard It Through The Grapevine" states, "...believe half of what you see and none of what you hear."
When I was 5-years-old I received a doctor's bag filled with fake medicine and a stethoscope. I would go around the neighborhood giving people physicals and believing that I was really doing what a doctor would do. I checked vital signs and handed out my candy prescriptions. Therefore, I was a doctor until I actually got into college and changed my mind to become a journalist.
The best course in school that helped me in my job today is truly every course in school. In this business you have to know a little about a lot. On the talk show for example, we have several segments on medical issues (science and health classes). We also do a lot of entertainment on the show (drama class and band). We have done shows that deal with various issues in society (history and political science classes). However, if I had to pick one class that influenced me, I would probably say my drama class because it was my drama teacher who suggested I choose television as a career. He said I should use my personality.
Our idea of fun can change over the years. I've had the advantage of travelling the world but my greatest joy comes from spending time with my son, husband and friends. Sometimes the best time is spent over a good meal with the people you love.
When you choose your career path, think about the thing that you have always naturally done. For example, I loved meeting new people and I always asked a lot of questions. That's perfect for someone who interviews people for a living! Many people make the mistake of choosing a career because they think it will somehow make them more accepted in society. People often equate fame and fortune with happiness. If you do not love what you do, you will not be happy. If you choose to do something that calls on your natural abilities and likes although you may work hard you won't necessarily feel like you are "working!
"One Nation Under Blog" by David Wallace. In this information age that we are in now, more than ever we have to be careful about decerning the truth. David points out in the book how dangerous the written word can be, especially on the internet where the laws protecting people are not as strong. Many times people repeat what they "heard" or what they "read" as the truth without varifying the information. Lies have damaged so many people, and in the news recently, we saw how vicious words have driven some teens to commit suicide. As the song "Heard It Through The Grapevine" states, "...believe half of what you see and none of what you hear."
Deborah DuncanHost, Great Day Houston KHOU-TV Channel 11I am currently the host of the talk show Great Day Houston on KHOU-TV Channel 11. Over the past twenty years I have been a talk show host or an anchor/reporter in both news and entertainment on television and radio.Always remember, life will not always go as planned, but that isn't necessarily bad. God always gave me more than I would give myself. Also, your greatest lessons come from your toughest times. Life is a series of experiences and taking them all in makes us well rounded individuals.
Deborah Duncan
Host, Great Day Houston KHOU-TV Channel 11
I am currently the host of the talk show Great Day Houston on KHOU-TV Channel 11. Over the past twenty years I have been a talk show host or an anchor/reporter in both news and entertainment on television and radio.
Always remember, life will not always go as planned, but that isn't necessarily bad. God always gave me more than I would give myself. Also, your greatest lessons come from your toughest times. Life is a series of experiences and taking them all in makes us well rounded individuals.
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?A veterinarianWhat was the best course you took in school that helps you today in your career?It wasn't exactly a course, but I studied abroad for a semester in Italy. It was the best semester ever, and taught me to be confident, independent, responsible (or irresponsible at times), and instilled in me a love for adventure and a deep appreciation for different cultures.What do you do for fun?I love to read, meet girlfriends for coffee, sing and dance when no one else is around, organize things, and go for walks or runs in the sun. I also love to travel with my husband and cuddle on the couch with my kitties. Do you have any hints for girls as they select a career?Catch yourself being passionate about something. When you find what makes your heart beat fast and your mind think a mile a minute, run after it and try to get someone to let you do it as your job.What are your favorite books to read over the summer?Harry Potter. I've read all seven books at least three times now. Best to read on the beach when you have a whole day to get lost.
A veterinarian
It wasn't exactly a course, but I studied abroad for a semester in Italy. It was the best semester ever, and taught me to be confident, independent, responsible (or irresponsible at times), and instilled in me a love for adventure and a deep appreciation for different cultures.
I love to read, meet girlfriends for coffee, sing and dance when no one else is around, organize things, and go for walks or runs in the sun. I also love to travel with my husband and cuddle on the couch with my kitties.
Catch yourself being passionate about something. When you find what makes your heart beat fast and your mind think a mile a minute, run after it and try to get someone to let you do it as your job.
Harry Potter. I've read all seven books at least three times now. Best to read on the beach when you have a whole day to get lost.
Stacey M. Dixson
Advisor to the Ministry of Education in Southern Sudan
I am helping the newly formed government design and implement good education policies to make sure all kids are given the opportunity to go to school, especially girls.
Remember who you are. Don't ever try to be someone or something you're not, especially in a job where you will spend the majority of your time. Finding a great career fit takes a lot of time and usually a few terrible jobs before you find something that's right for you. Don't be afraid to move around and pick up new skills along the way. And never be afraid to volunteer for a company that you respect or a mission you can get behind. It will only be a matter of time before they see that you're awesome and snatch you up!
When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up?*Pilot.What was the best course you took in school that helps you today in your career?*English. Lawyers do lots of reading and writing!What do you do for fun?*I love to hike and travel. Also, my newest hobby is knitting.Do you have any hints for girls as they select a career?*When selecting a career everyone says to pick something you love, and that is true - BUT you should also pick something you are good at. It is easier to go to work every day if you are not worried about being good at what you do.What are your favorite books to read over the summer?*Right now I am reading The Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami.
*Pilot.
*English. Lawyers do lots of reading and writing!
*I love to hike and travel. Also, my newest hobby is knitting.
*When selecting a career everyone says to pick something you love, and that is true - BUT you should also pick something you are good at. It is easier to go to work every day if you are not worried about being good at what you do.
*Right now I am reading The Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami.
Teresa Down
Foreign Attorney
I am a foreign attorney working for a Japanese law firm. I help Japanese lawyers working on US law issues.When thinking about what you want to do, always aim higher than you think you can reach. You might be surprised!
I am a foreign attorney working for a Japanese law firm. I help Japanese lawyers working on US law issues.
When thinking about what you want to do, always aim higher than you think you can reach. You might be surprised!
