Where Are They Now? — Karen Hillam
I have to start by saying that I have a terrible memory, and have kept in contact with just about no one from high school, but have really enjoyed reading everyone's posts. I was up late one night and it occurred to me that I'd graduated from high school 20 years ago. Astonished by this fact, I decided to google "Provo High Class of '88" and look what I found! Unfortunately, I don't think I'll make the reunion, but in the hopes that more people will post, I'll write about what I've been up to since high school.After graduation, I started at BYU but left Utah in 1991 and traveled around Europe for a year or so and then moved San Francisco. In 1994, I moved to New York City for no real reason, and I've been here ever since. I love it, and I doubt I'll ever leave.
I met Bernie (pictured) not long after that, and we've been together going on 13 happy years. Along the line we got married at City Hall. He works in television and is responsible for many of the VH1 80's nostalgia shows that I'm sure many of you are guilty of watching.
Over the years, I decided that I wanted to work with the immigrant community in New York City and so I got an MA in TESOL, which is basically an education degree that prepares you to teach English as a second language. I then lucked into a fantastic job at a public high school in Manhattan working with great kids from all over the world. The fact that I am a high school teacher would definitely come as a surprise to anyone who viewed my transcripts and attendance record at PHS. I'm sure I preferred killing time in Winchell's or The Yogurt Station to anything I might have done within the hallowed halls of Provo High. I honestly don't remember doing homework. I was not a serious student, to say the least, but am making up for that now by lecturing my own students constantly.
My teaching job has allowed me to travel all over the world during the summers, mostly to China, SE Asia, Europe and of course, Utah. I get out to Utah two or three times a year and absolutely love it.
Last year we realized that it was getting to be "now or never," so we took the plunge and had a baby. We're a little slow on that front compared to most of you. Eleanor was born on August 23rd, 2007, and now we almost wonder why we waited so long. She is unbelievable. I took the first six months off from work after she was born, and then went back. I'm now craving summer vacation, which starts next week.
I 'll be in Utah in August, but unfortunately not in June. Have fun at the reunion, and keep posting for those of us who won't make it!
Comments
I am very excited about your little girl. I also have a year old girl. She is my first girl. If you look on my blog you will see that I have 3 older boys, so our girl was a wonderful surprise.
I am so jealous about all the traveling you get to do. I have done some, but not like you.
It's to bad you will not be coming to the reunion. I would like to see you and your family. Hopefully you can make it to the next
reunion.
Take care.
Sheryl Hale Pryor
I always admired you. Still do. You look great. Good to hear from you.
Take care,
Kristie Cloward Kapp
I saw that you left so many comments on other classnates posts and was waiting for you post. You look great and your baby is beautiful.
Your job is so awesome. My husband (Rusty) is an immigration lawyer and when I get the opportunity to spend time with some of his clients, and hear their stories and then see how grateful they are to him for helping them stay in the country, I'm so genuinely so happy. What you are doing is amazing.
What I remember most about you in elementary school is having all your birthday parties up at your cabin in Sundance. I loved to go to those sleepovers.
Take care. Vicki Thompson O'Brien
Danny Knight was definitely my favorite boy at Wasatch Elementary, maybe PHS too. And Karen O. was always the reigning Queen of the Karens. Vicki you look exactly the same...how is it possible? I love reading about everyone's interesting lives..
It's great to hear about your life. What a beautiful baby! I'm sure you're an awesome mother and teacher. I loved going to your cabin when we were kids. I also remember sleepwalking from your house one night and your mom woke me up as I was walking down your driveway. Your mom was always so nice. It's fun to hear Karen H. and Karen O. again. It seems like no one names their baby "Karen" like they did back in our day. Keep in touch.
How did you do the year in Europe? Did you work while you were there or did you save money and then go? Sorry, curiosity just got me.
Well, you look happy and beautiful, Bernie looks like an absolute kick to be around and your baby is adorable!
Laura (Hayward) Farrer
I remember you too and am sure you were much nicer to people than I was! Anyway, as for Europe, I'll make a long story short. I got married in 1990 and my (now ex) and I went to Europe together not long after that. He to study in Germany and me to hang out/work while he studied. The relationship hit the rocks. I decided that I'd gotten married too young, and for me, it WAS too young. I was actually born in England, so I have duel British and American citizenship and I could work, so I got a job working in a couple of different restaurants in London. All in all, it was a fantastic time...I've never gotten the travel bug out of me and am always mentally planning my next trip.
Thanks for the nice comments. I do remember having you up to swim! Good times. Good times.
Kristie
So fun to read about your life. You look great and sound like you are very content with life. I always appreciated your smile and "hello's" in the halls of PHS. My daughter is preparing to tour Europe next June. If you have any tips on things or places that are a must see, please let me know.
I can't get over your daughter. She is you all over again. If I ran into her in person I'm sure I'd think I'd somehow entered a time machine. So great that she's planning on traveling. The best advice --as far as I'm concerned-- is to not be afraid of trying new things.
Sorry I'm intruding in the 88 class. I always liked your class more. Maybe that's one reason I married Barrett! I wondered if you'd make it to the reunion. Barrett and I won't make it either. You know I just love you. I was so sad when I saw the for sale sign in your parents' yard. How am I going to keep up with you? You look great. I'm so happy for you and little Eleanor. You are beautiful!!!
MaryAnn
We missed you last night! It was a great party. I especially loved catching up with the gang from Wasatch. Please keep in touch (I would love to hear about your parents and siblings). nursenoel@msn.com
Karen, I'll drop you a line, it would be great to hear from you. MaryAnn, yes, we're all sad about my parents leaving! They are planning to stay in the 1st ward though. Drop me an email sometime so we can keep in touch. I'll be in Utah almost the entire month of August.
khillam@nyc.rr.com