Date: Fri 24-Jul-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: DOTTIE

Quick Words:

snapshot-Rachel-Walker

Full Text:

SNAPSHOT: Rachel Walker

Occupation: I just graduated from Newtown High School where I was president of

the drama club and am looking forward to attending the University of Virginia

this fall. I also work at The Bee until 12:30 pm each day taking classified

ads.

Family: My parents, Robin and Randy, are awfully hard working and have

sacrificed a good deal for me. My mom must be the closest thing to a role

model that I have. She is getting recertified so she can teach elementary

school and put myself and my two younger brothers through college. My brother,

Russell, is brilliantly funny and can make you laugh until you cry, but he

will only opt to do that with those he knows well. Ryan, outgoing and

athletic, is everything I wanted to be when I was in middle school.

Biggest Change in Town: One of the best changes in town has been the park that

Scudder Smith built on the parcel where the condemned building used to be.

Pets: Oreo, a black and white cat with a penchant for rose petals, has

practically rid our lawn of moles. He wears a jingle bell collar now so that

he cannot sneak up on the birds at our breakfast window feeder.

Hobbies: I have played the violin for more than 12 years. My parents asked me

if I wanted to play an instrument when I was very young, and I opted for the

guitar. The school that I attended, however, did not offer guitar lessons so I

was left with violin. At first it was difficult and frustrating because I

needed to practice, but I am at the point where I can play for enjoyment.

I also sketch, whatever is nearest me, empty ice tea glasses and that sort of

thing.

Brave Heart was one of those romantic movies of self-sacrifice, of someone on

a quest, ready to give up all for an ideal that has so much appeal for me. The

orchestration was absolutely beautiful, and as a Scottish ancestor of mine was

hung for insurrection in the Tower of London, I was able to picture family

members fighting for Scotland's independence.

Books: I really enjoyed the dreamlike style of The English Patient. Besides, I

am very attached to romances where everyone is not happy at the end.

Organizations: I'm a member of the Church of Christ in Danbury.

Philosophy: One ought to strive for independence, to do as much for oneself as

one can while pleasing other people and trying to make them happy.