Mimi and Her World
She attempted the absurd - And almost achieved the impossible.
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You may be interested in how a female rationalized how she would become successful regardless of her ambitions being thwarted because women were not recognized as being capable of advanced education or handling high level positions. From an early age I wanted to know how my world worked. It did not take me many years to understand my relationship to family members, professional people and the few women who were professionals or in positions of authority. I was impressed that I knew a woman who was manager of the Woolworth store, a woman reporter for the Hickory Daily Record, a woman who was head of the local Merchant's Association and a mother who was a department head in our church as well as a grandmother whom I was sure knew more than any other person. I do not mean to leave my father out of my recognition of persons in my life that I thought were very important. Daddy was handsome and very intelligent. You will read how my father recognized my abilities and how I emulated his intellectual curiosity. Since I had no brothers I have not said much about men but I was so fortunate to have a wonderful son and two wonderful grandsons. You will read about the many reasons I feel this way. I hope I have left you with the realization that Mimi never let any unfortunate incident put a dent in her optimism. You will learn why I moved forward in my profession and desired to be the leader in various organizations. I never wanted to be associated with any organization unless I knew the structure of the organization and the people who were the decision makers from the top down. I had no toleration for mediocrity whether it was teaching, writing, parenting, housekeeping, leadership, physical fitness, social responsibility or good citizenship I never thought of myself as one who performs in a mediocre way. I have provided historical data to help you paint a picture of the local towns, states, the nation and world during my lifetime. There is data pertaining to the economy and how this influenced all aspects of my life. By interspersing world events I have been able to point to the effect various events had on my life as well as the lives of my parents, siblings, husbands, son and grandsons.
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About the Book
Mimi Cerniglia's autobiography begins with the introduction of the two people who will become the parents of her two sisters and her. You will find out why furniture manufacturing in the Piedmont area of North Carolina was important in the author's life and the state of North Carolina. Depression era modes of transportation and communication come alive from her excellent descriptions. Due to a family incident religion's decline and eventual rejection unfolds slowly. An annual family event helps the reader learn about the homestead of a southern family who had owned slaves. Terms used in local government reminds the reader that North Carolina was one of the original thirteen colonies and was settled from east to west. Public school education in her college town was so important the citizens paid extra tax for city schools. The end of World War II brought peace time production of everything. College and an education career as well as marriage led to the birth of a son and a move to Florida. More education in North Carolina and a return to Florida for the son's education was interspersed with a new marriage. Following traveling and house building in North Carolina came death and a move back to Florida to be near her successful son and twin grandsons. Her senior years of reading, writing and golf stopped due to illness. Recovery from illness and pursuit of academic endeavors concludes the book.
About the Author
Using historical data she tells how she lived and reacted to people and events from the nineteen twenties to two thousand nine. We have a chance to know her refined personal qualities. In this way she helped us understand what it was like living in the segregated South. Academic progress was revealed from an early age because of her excitement about the activities of the college students in her town. Her intellectual curiosity led to her earning a BA and an MA degree. Recognition of good leadership skills in business, , politics and civic life led her to hone her leadership skills in education, women's issues and free inquiry. She brings humor to her lack of musical talent and helps us contrast her poor musical ability with her academic successes. Her desire to excel in academics did not diminish her enjoyment of running, swimming, tennis and golf. Domestic endeavors are revealed after marriage and the birth of her son and later twin grandsons. People are surprised when she sews all her square dance outfits. During her senior years she has time to increase her leadership skills by promoting women's achievements in various endeavors. Starting free inquiry groups and publishing newsletters revealed her views on science and reasoning.