Becoming a Woman with a Learning Spirit

By Dr. Eileen Kalberg VanWie

What is a "learning spirit?" What and who created barriers to overcome? What and who supported becoming a woman with a learning spirit? How did she come to realize satisfactions from ordinary things? What brought meaning to her life as new "doors" opened?

The life of Dr. Eileen Marguerite Kalberg VanWie has been ordinary, privileged, and fulfilling. She writes this memoir for her family, so they know a little about her early years. Being raised in a small rural Minnesota community promoted a safe, active lifestyle. Hector was the place where her father Herb was born; where he lived and died. Her mother Elizabeth, born on a farm in North Dakota, would have liked to travel the world. Eileen took after her mother in that way.

At 18 years of age, Eileen moved to Minneapolis to attend a small liberal arts college. Her "world" began to expand. She met her future husband, Joseph Leon VanWie, on a blind date as a freshman. It wasn't love at first sight, but love developed over time. They were married on August 6, 1966, shortly after Eileen graduated from college. As she was beginning her first teaching job in West St. Paul, Joe accepted a National Science Foundation award to pursue a Master's degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Off they went for their first adventure away from "home."

Education and travel soon became important ways to learn and play at the same time. Having two daughters meant parenting, living, and learning by trial and error. Eileen's professional life as an educator brought rewards by engaging with learners of all ages and expanding learning for those involved, including herself. Old and new photos in the memoir, taken by family, friends, and herself, help to tell selected stories from the life of Eileen VanWie.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0DZBM64H9
• ISBN13: 9798312211627
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 258 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"