Where are you from? Where have you lived before moving to Oak Hammock?
Pat: I spent most of my life in Miami, Florida, but I have lived in Haile Plantation since 2003.
What was your career?
Pat: I was a schoolteacher of 3rd, 4th and 5th graders for about 22 years.
What is your biggest accomplishment (professionally or personally)?
Pat: I would say that raising three children is my biggest accomplishment. In my more recent days, I have been hiking national parks. I think it has been about 12 now, but it’s hard to keep track. That is something that I loved doing; everyone asks me which one is my favorite but it’s so hard to choose. They are all beautiful, inspiring, and every one different.
What is your goal for retirement?
Pat: My goal is to try to stay as fit as possible. I frequently go for walks and go to Gainesville Health and Fitness. I also want to just enjoy life and do all my gator things in Gainesville.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Pat: I like to write. I am not a published writer but when I was visiting national parks, I was really interested in children’s literature. I would write children’s books for my grandchildren with personalized characters to encourage them to visit the national parks.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Pat: I am a part of an organization called PEO International, which supports scholarships for women, and I support the Gatortown Gators Scholarship fund. I also always visit the football, basketball, and gymnastics sports events. I am planning to attend more athletic events for other sports as well, like baseball and softball. I also love to travel and visit my family near Atlanta.
What made you want to join the Oak Hammock community?
Pat: My mother lived to be 98 and she belonged to a CCRC, where she went through independent, assistant and nursing care. As her caretaker, it made my life so much easier and I wanted to make it easy on my kids as I aged. I’ve known I was coming here to Oak Hammock since I lived in Miami and have been on the waitlist for years. When the time was right for me to come, I just knew. I am also crazy about the gators and love Gainesville and it just seemed to fit. The university town brings with it art, culture, sports, and good healthcare.
What is one thing people should know about Oak Hammock?
Pat: This is a very welcoming campus that tries hard to make you feel welcome and get adjusted. The fact that they try to help you get acquainted and connected is a very big plus. Also, they offer so many different ways to entertain yourself here. If you can’t find it at Oak Hammock, you probably never will.