My name is Desiree DeNicola, but not for long because I am getting married on October 14, 2006. My new last name will be Dunbar. I am so excited!!! I was born in New Britain, CT and lived in Storrs, CT. There I started elementary school and absolutely loved all of my teachers. I lived in Storrs until I was approximately 8 years old. Then my sister, who is 2 1⁄2 years older than me, my mother, and I moved to Bristol, CT. We lived there for about 5 years. My sister and I moved, again, with my father to Vernon, CT when I was 13 and in the middle of 7th grade. I was terrified to start a new school again, but the fact that my father taught at Vernon Center Middle School made it a little easier to start. He taught 6th grade Science for 26 years in Vernon, and I believe I get my need for learning and to inform others from him.

I finished out my schooling at Rockville High School in Vernon. I played soccer all through high school, and still play to this day. I also ran track too. I was a short-distance sprinter; running the 100m and 200m dash. My coach made me do hurdles too, but I hated them. Believe it or not, I made it to the State Finals, but did not place. I graduated in 1997 as a member of the National Honors Society. I made wonderful memories in that school and made dear friends that I still am in contact with today.

I entered my first year of college at Central Connecticut State University in the fall of ’97. I began as a Biology Major, but my sophomore year I switched to Sociology and Biology as a Minor. I was involved with the Feminist Majority and worked for the Women’s Studies Program in college. I learned a lot about myself throughout those years, but am still constantly evolving and learning to this day.

After I graduated in 2001, I had envisioned getting a job for a non-profit organization. When that dream fell through, I found myself working various jobs inside and outside of the classroom from 2002-2006. I always knew that I wanted to continue my schooling, but was waiting for the precise moment that my heart would let me know what path to follow. That is what led me to Eastern Connecticut State University’s Elementary Education Masters/Certification Program. This is my second academic year of enrollment and I am really enjoying myself. I have met some wonderful peers and instructors. I am also very thankful that I waited to go to Graduate School so I knew exactly what I wanted to concentrate my energy towards.