I was born in Washington D.C. and grew up in the state of Maryland. (Yes, all the way on the other side of the U.S.) I have two wonderful parents and a spunky sister, Amanda, who is two years younger than me. My family has always had dogs in our household. We currently have two dogs: Wrighle, an Italian Greyhound and Finn, a German Sheppard . I love them all very much and miss them when I am in Texas.
     While I was in college I studied Elementary Education. After four years of hard work I graduated from the U of A and decided to stay in Tucson and teach. I recently moved to Houston and I am pleased with my decision and I am eager to begin my 8th year of teaching. 
    When I am not at school I enjoy doing a variety of activities. Anytime during the school year that I have a free moment I love to read all kinds of books. I also love playing sports and being active. I have recently taken up cycling, but basketball, football and soccer are some of my favorite sports to play. I not only get a thrill out of playing sports, but watching them as well, especially college football. I am a huge Ohio State Buckeye fan and I try to watch them whenever I can on T.V. When it is summer time or we have a break of any kind I take advantage of that time to get away and travel. I have been to 40 states in the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska. As for other countries I have visited Mexico, Canada, Italy, Greece and a few other European countries. It is my goal to keep traveling to as many places as I can. Finally, it is my goal to see a baseball game in every Major League Baseball Stadium. I have already been to the following team's ballparks: Orioles, Nationals, Phillies, Pirates, Diamondbacks, LA Angels, St. Louis, the Mariners, the Twins, the Cubs, the White Sox, the Brewers and the Tigers. (20 stadiums in all so far)
    Well, enough about me for now. I am excited to be your third grade teacher and I look forward to working with you and your families throughout this school year.
                                                                                                                                           -Ms. Pursel