My name is Melissa Wilkinson and I teach reading, language arts and social studies here at Desert Hills. After I graduated from Eastern Washington University in 1997, I started teaching a 4/5 split class at Southgate Elementary. After a few years, I moved up to middle school. I was definitely nervous about the big change. The kids are so much bigger! It was definitely a good move though. I love working with these kids.
Most of my past students will say I love animals. In fact, many of my childhood memories revolve around animals. Throughout childhood, my mother would allow me to have pretty much any small pet I wanted as long as I paid for it, the food and cleaned up any messes. Wow, such open-mindedness! One of my favorite past pets was my lizard named Liver. With my mothers help, I planned a birthday party for him when I was in fourth grade. All my friends came over to help celebrate the special occasion. Liver was overjoyed. He didn’t know what to do with himself. He received a mini hang glider from my younger brother, Brian. He also received meal worms, a miniature handmade journal, and many other thoughtful creations. While we ate the cake, Liver enjoyed his worms. The party was definitely a success.
And then there was Caw, my beloved crow. I really loved that guy…or girl…I never could really tell. I rescued him from a playground mob during second recess. He had fallen from his nest and broke his wing. Because I was an inexperienced rehabilitator, I picked the local “bird lady’s” brain for advice. I was so impressed with her knowledge and dedication that I resigned to become a “bird lady” myself. After Caw’s wing healed, I “taught” him how to fly by throwing him gently into the air…and watching him slam into our wooden fence. I did have the best of intentions. He eventually did learn to fly…no thanks to me. Basically, raising Caw went pretty smooth…until the neighborhood flock of crows found out I had kidnapped one of their own. Wow, I never realized Crows were so protective. They nearly scalped me. It was worth it though.
Since then, I have raised several baby squirrels, a seagull, another crow, a quail, a robin, a pigeon, a starling and a very large nest full of naked magpies. Wow, now that was an experience! I have definitely become the “bird lady.”
My current pets include several dogs, four horses, a couple Banty chickens, turkeys, a cat, fish, naked and hairy rats….basically a farm. I intended on only having one or two dogs, and then I went to animal control. I am no longer allowed to go there. I tend to come home with more “people” in the car than there were at the beginning of the outing.
I also did not intend on having so many horses. However, I am now the proud owner of two miniature horses (Merrylegs and Pepito) and two standard horses (Spinster and Fester). My daughter, Erin, and I went to the slaughter yard in Toppenish to possibly rescue an older horse. Much to my husband’s surprise, we came home with two extremely old horses. I just couldn’t leave them there! By the way…I am not allowed to go back to that place either.
Other interests? I also love painting, drawing, gardening, etc. But they just don’t compare to animals. J
Rob, my husband, is the biggest sportsaholic around. Well, at least in the top 10. He works at the YMCA as the sports director. See, I told you he was addicted to sports. Although he is not really into animals, I think I have now converted him…kicking and screaming. Poor guy.
I am also the mother of two wonderful children. Drew is 8 and is a sportsaholic…just like his dad ordered. He plays basketball, soccer, baseball, football, and any other sport he can rustle up. Sometimes Drew’s love of sports gets him into a tad bit of trouble. Our nice new chenille couch wasn’t holding up nearly as well as I expected. “It must be this material…not as strong as cotton,” I told myself. Well…I found out otherwise. A picture is worth a thousand words.
My four-year-old daughter, Erin,…I mean…”the black stallion” is my mini me. She is the biggest horse lover since…well…me. Instead of running, skipping, etc., she gallops…even in ballet class. That will be interesting during her recital. I have also recently been informed that her stomach no longer growls when she is hungry…it neighs! Funny girl.
