Introduction
It is a pleasure to introduce another 1968 GHS classmate—Andrea Frederick, a licensed pilot since she was twenty-four years old. It is fascinating to learn that if given the choice of being a character in a book, Andrea chose to the mouse in the “Lion and the Mouse” that always tried to help someone who may need compassion, love, empathy, laughter, or just a friend.
Let’s celebrate the life journey of Andrea Frederick.
Biography
I received a liberal arts summer scholarship to Kansas University to take Master Classes in ballet, which I studied here in Colorado for 18 years. I began working in health care and remained in that field, on the administrative side, until I retired 3 years ago. From the time I turned about 9, I had a desire to fly and aviation was my first love, after dance. I became a licensed pilot at 24, haven’t flown for a long time, but would rather do that than anything else in the world. Some years after that I got married, with my husband being from Oregon, traveled a lot to that wonderful state with many favorite cities along the west, northwest coast. All my family has now moved to Boise, Idaho, including my 93-year-old mother who has Alzheimer’s. With the pandemic, I haven’t been to see her since March which makes me unbelievably sad, but I’m hoping to travel in December. I live alone, except for my three parrots, and I am so busy these days, I don’t know how people juggle kids, homes, and other adult ‘tasks’. lolol
Interview
What is your fondest and happiest moment you experienced while attending Golden High School?
I think being on the Drill Team was the most fun, from practicing all summer, to actually performing during football half-times. I think the entire Junior girls class was on the team that year and with my little red car, I just can’t remember having more fun than during that year.
Did GHS play any small part in your career or life—good or bad—? And if so, how?
No, I can’t say there was anything that worked its way into my life that came from school. I wish we had been given a chance to have career counselors from various colleges and career options come to explain the many wonderful areas in which we could have possibly gone, rather than just telling us we should be teachers or dental hygienists… but it was the 60’s. 🙂 Not that there’s is anything wrong with being a teacher or a dental hygienist. LOLOL
If you could go back in time, what piece of advice or wisdom that you’ve learned that you would give to yourself and classmates?
“Never think you aren’t important or don’t matter” There was really never the peer pressure in school that is present today and I’m not sure I could have handled not being accepted. I was blessed to have a wonderful group of girls and guys to hang around and have fun with, but I also remember those who were not accepted and it always made me sad that some students weren’t kind to them.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment in your lifetime?
Trying to be the best daughter, big sister, best aunt, and best great-aunt.
If you were a character in a book, how would you describe yourself?
I would be like the mouse in the Lion and the Mouse story, always trying to help someone who may need compassion, love, empathy, laughter, or just a friend. A Virgo is the best friend a person can have…
Where do you live now? If you had to move to another city/state/country, where might that be?
I live in Lakewood, CO and doubt that I will ever leave. If I didn’t love my state so much, I would happily move to Rockaway Beach, Seaside, or Tillamook Oregon.
What are the most important traits you look for in a friend?
Honesty and integrity. I am a very principled person and if you don’t live your life with principles and standards, you will only be an acquaintance.
If you could have one skill that you don’t currently have, what would it be?
I would love to be able to sing, but I would truly love to be able to draw. Whatever my particular style would be, wouldn’t matter, just that I could put what might be in my head or my heart, on paper.
If you are a TV watcher, would you share the names of your favorite shows with us?
I like almost anything on Public Broadcast Stations. My brain is like a sponge and PBS or other related ‘creative’ shows really teach me a lot about areas that I never knew, or fill my brain with new information. I love watching excerpts from professional dance companies.
With the crisis in which we are all involved right now, I like to watch shows that are only slightly irreverent like “Whose Line Is It”?. Almost anything that will make me laugh out loud and while I hate to admit it, I enjoy “Jeopardy”. One thing about getting older is that I know more answers than I used to.
What are three things you think we can all do to make the world a better place?
Be kind and respectful to all humans and animals.
What simple pleasure makes you smile?
Really bending down and smelling the roses
GHS 1968 