THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, December 10, 1995 TAG: 9512080209
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 28 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 95 lines
Marie Keeling may be the best friend a 4-year-old ever had.
An associate professor of early childhood development at Tidewater Community College's Portsmouth campus, she is also a technical assistant for the state Department of Education, working with public school programs for 4-year-olds in Suffolk, Portsmouth, Charles City County, Petersburg, King William County and Newport News.
Social interaction, self-control, self-respect and respect for others are criticial skills for the typical 4-year-old, whose self-image is still developing. ``By the age of 5, self-image is pretty well set,'' Keeling said.
A petite 4-foot-11, Keeling shares ``a special connection'' with children. ``Adults often talk down to me and treat me child-like; therefore, I have acquired a great respect for children and their thoughts.''
As a classroom troubleshooter Keeling studies more than curriculum, programs and teaching methods. In one classroom, for instance, she noticed that chairs were too big, leaving students' feet dangling uncomfortably. Smaller chairs eased much of the class' usual commotion.
Years ago, when daughter Rebecca became a Brownie, Keeling became a Girl Scout leader. She remains active, though Rebecca is a freshman at Virginia Tech, majoring in environmental science.
With or without her Scouts, Keeling - a natural athlete - loves to go whitewater rafting, canoeing, backpacking, sailing and hiking.
She is also an avid gardener. ``I love watching things grow, change and develop, to observe those important cycles of life,'' she said.
What brought you here? I was born in Portsmouth (12/23/47), lived in Suffolk for 34 years and now live in Smithfield.
What is your fondest childhood memory? Building forts with my brother, camping with my family and helping my grandmother work in her flower beds.
Do you have pets? Neighborhood birds - one pair of finches in particular, which visit my deck and nest in my window feeder; and a chickadee, which visits every morning.
What is your occupation? Associate professor of early childhood development.
What was your first, worst job? Selling Avon door to door.
If you had a choice, what other job would you choose? I wouldn't. I knew when I was around 8 that I wanted to teach.
What's your favorite hangout? Antique and junk shops, looking for oyster plates and Scout memorabilia. And I love visiting the bake shop in downtown Smithfield around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. They bake the best cinnamon buns.
What's your favorite night out on the town? I love to do anything, anytime, with people who are energetic and upbeat. I really enjoy home cooking and eating with friends.
What are your favorite food and drink? Coffee and anything homemade, especially soup.
Is there a book you wish everyone would read? ``Leo the Lion'' by Robert Krauss, and ``The Celestial Prophecy.''
What's your ideal vacation? Backpacking out West.
What can't you resist? Interrupting people who put down children, teachers and the school system in general.
Is there something about you that few people know? I am a Boy Scout, and I backpacked on Philmont Ranch, N.M., on Mount Baldy - 13,400 feet high and as close to heaven as a breathing person can get.
What was your most unforgettable moment? Our Girl Scout troop was canoeing in Maine, and one canoe flipped. While the girls righted the canoe, I sternly asked about the problem. They said they had been distracted by what was on the shoreline rock. I looked to the shoreline, only to notice a nude man sprawled out on a high rock, smiling and waving at us. I didn't fuss any more.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would set up grants for area child care centers to help increase quality in the business. Then I would establish parent resource centers to lend anything parents need to help them accomplish the most important job in America - raising children. If any money was left, I'd buy a motor home to travel the USA.
What is the best advice you've been given and by whom? One of my wisest adult students told me to care for myself, so that I can continue to nurture them and, in turn, they can become better care providers for children.
What is the best thing about your self? I am over 45, which means I have developed a sense of peace and order about myself - physically, spiritually and emotionally.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would you be and why? I would love to continue Margaret Mead's work with various cultural tribes and study child rearing practices throughout the world.
Of what achievement are you proudest? Watching my Girl Scouts, including my daughter, grow into young womanhood.
Is there something you wish to say but haven't? If everyone would get involved with one child, other than their own, and model kindness and goodness while teaching them life skills, we could really change our neighborhoods and schools. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Marie Keeling loves to go whitewater rafting, canoeing, backpacking,
sailing and hiking.
by CNB