Meet Patty ‘66, who attended ASH during her elementary school years when the school was located in The Hague. Even though she was at ASH in the early 50s as a young child, her experience has followed her throughout her life in many different ways.

 

 

From 1954 to 1957, I was a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd third grader at the original American School located on Parkweg in Den Haag. Every morning my brother and I rode the school bus from our home on Wassenaarsweg and later from the Van Alkemadelaan. The school was a big house with a spacious sand-covered playground (at least it seemed spacious to a 6-year old!), where we enjoyed outdoor games during recess. My teachers (Mss. De Bas, Hastler, and Williams) were all very fine. I still have my old report cards from those years, and re-reading the teachers’ comments brings back good memories.

 

 

ASH showed me that learning was not only important, but also fun! We did a lot of singing in class and played games (spelling bees, etc.) designed to teach. As a High School and college teacher, I always remembered the idea that teaching should not be “cut and dry,” and tried to make learning a pleasurable experience for my students.

 

 

My interest in Greek mythology, instilled by 3rd grade teacher Ms. Williams, is an abiding gift. The love of a good story made me a lifelong enthusiastic reader and inspired me to major in English literature in college, which led to a rewarding career as a college English instructor. Also, attending an international school instilled in me an appreciation for other cultures and a passion for travel. I’ve returned to Den Haag three times since the 50’s and am now long overdue for another visit. Next time I’m there, I will be sure to include a side trip to Wassenaar to visit the ASH campus.

 

 

The teachers I named above were all excellent. Also, my childhood friend from ASH, Adrienne Weinberger, and I are still in touch. We’re both grandmothers now and live hundreds of miles apart, but we stay in touch via Skype, emails, and phone calls.

 

I’m currently on the home stretch of a graduate program at the University of Delaware. I’m three credits short of earning another graduate degree, this time in Liberal Studies. ASH laid the foundation of intellectual curiosity. I’m still to this day curious!