Martorello loves deep sea fishing, while I cultivated an interest in farm animals. I spent time as the Treasurer of the Campbell Chapter of the Future Farmers of American (FFA). My sheep won the Grand Champion award in the 1985 Santa Clara County Fair, a significant accomplishment. I also developed interest in the martial arts and I earned my black belt in Tai Kwon Do. Thus, Martorello and I share a passion for life that includes a wide variety of outdoor and sports activities.
Both Martorello and I were strongly influenced by his mother, who we called Nana. Nana worked as a contractor for the United States Government and her job allowed her to travel around the world. Martorello remembers the recipes she would bring back from overseas, whereas I remembered the tangible souvenirs. I was also influenced strongly by my maternal grandmother, who was a nurse....
It was Big Grandma, as she was known, who inspired me to pursue nursing as a career. Big Grandma was a nurse for 55 years and she taught me the fundamentals about caring and professionalism in the field of nursing.
Although Martorello was not a nurse, his caring attitude toward family has influenced my own parenting style. I now have two grown children who have inspired me just as Martorello was inspired by his children. Watching them grow and develop their likes and dislikes reminds me of how important family ties can be in developing self-esteem. Like both my grandmothers, Martorello remained loyal to one career throughout his entire life. Times have changed and long-term career options are less possible now but I do intend to have a fulfilling career as a nurse. Martorello's strong family background has persisted throughout the generations.
