A Time To Remember

About the Book

This first book written by Florence Chambers is a group of reflections of the author´s life. Florence, born in an exciting time in American history, the fifties, has taken a long look back into her childhood and shared with others some of her life experiences. The book is rich in cultural history and embedded with the author´s experiences from childhood through her life as an educator, in St. Louis City. Students from at risk neighborhoods themselves would benefit from reading this book, as Florence tells of her own childhood upbringing in an at-risk family. Other educators can identify with stories of Florence´s own teaching/counseling career as she shares some of the highlights of her now 36 year career. Florence enjoys teaching, and considers herself a lifelong learner. Double-master degrees have helped endow this author with some insights to share with other educators of inner city students. In addition, raising her only child as a single parent she takes the reader on a journey of how all of these circumstances have impacted her life. A proud African American woman, born a "baby boomer", has much to share in this delightful book about her life, with any dreamer, educator, single parent or anyone wishing to enjoy the flashback of a well traveled journey. A vibrant young retiree, Florence continues to work part-time in a local college, and writes in her spare time.

About the Author

Florence Wess was born in St. Louis, MO. Most of her formative years were spent growing up in a section of the city called, the Southside. It was a rather secluded area, where everyone knew everyone else. Black families were large in the 50's and 60's, hers consisting of seven children and both parents. But the times were a lot different then, the church being the motivator of the family's moral system. Parents really valued education for their children, expecting it to help them escape the poverty that was prevalent amongst black families at that time. School and home worked close together. There were recreation centers, and the leaders who helped shape the young minds, by involving them in unceasing activities. Mrs. Wess, Florence's mother encouraged her to become the first to graduate from college in the family. Now there are several college graduates who are continuing their quest for knowledge and seeking higher degrees. The civil rights movement and many other influential factors are discussed in the authors first book, a reflection not only of the times in which she grew of, but of her life as an educator. Florence excelled in studies and acquired double Master's degrees while working with the youngsters in St. Louis, and raising her only son as a single parent. Lots of tips in the reflection for other African Americans who may not see the light at the end of the tunnel right away. Having married her son's father, but divorced early in the marriage, there are many insights here to share with other single parents. Later, a second marriage to one of her childhood sweethearts is another stepping stone in the life of this vibrant, educator whose passion was always working with inner city students for 32 years. She is now semi-retired and continues to teach part-time at the college where she acquired her first degree, many years ago.