Dolores Vera

After a successful government career, I went back to graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, which is why I am in Philadelphia. After graduation (1993) I taught at Penn and later did consultant work for several non-profits, and for the City of Philadelphia government. My Master's Degree is in Human Sexuality and my expertise is HIV/AIDS, STI and other topics related to Human Sexuality. I still do consulting for the City when I can get a gig.
I spend my time swimming, gardening, reading and travel to DC every chance I get (I lived there for 20 years!).

I do quite a bit of volunteer work, and one of these is teaching English to Latino restaurant workers. This gives me the opportunity to keep up my teaching skills and speak Spanish with my students. I had forgotten how appreciative adult learners were - they are great! Now are they great since they are adults or Latinos? Out of 16 students, 13 are from Mexico! And no one asks about their immigration status! It is terrific living in a sanctuary city.

At the anniversary of JFK's death, I wrote an item for The Philadelphia Inquirer regarding us being in high school in Texas. It was printed and I sent it to various classmates. This event has such a trigger memory that I am sure all of us will remember this event - and all of us seating in the auditorium waiting for updates.