Laurie Bean Ross

Profile Updated: March 31, 2021

Where do you live?	Fairfax, VA USA

Spouse/Partner	Jeff Ross

Occupation?	Writer/editor, Allergy & Asthma Network

Children	David (35), Megan (32), Alanna (23)

Where else have you lived?

London

Previous occupations?

radio broadcaster; freelance proofreader

Comments - philosophy of life or saga of events:

I went to Smith College – choosing an all-girls school partly because I knew I wouldn’t get any studying or learning done at a coed school. It worked a little bit. I majored in English because, “Well, I like to read books, so why not?” My freshman English professor told me I couldn’t write … but unlike many, I’ve actually gone on to use my degree. I’ve worked with words – first in radio, then in print.

After college graduation, I grabbed a chance to work for the BBC in London. Again – why not?!! A behind-the-scenes job, but tons of fun and hands-on learning about production. Moving back to the States – to Washington, DC, where Jeff was stationed in the Army -- I got a job with Voice of America, broadcasting in English to Africa – actually writing and hosting radio magazine shows.

I met Jeff while in London -- he was from my childhood church in Los Angeles, and our parents had met one day and exchanged our addresses. When he left the Army, he went to work for the Defense Dept., and we’ve been here in the DC area ever since. Jeff’s an architect by training and has transformed our homes through the 43 years we’ve been married. Three kids: David (born in 1980), Megan (1984) and Alanna (1993).

After Megan was born, I began freelance proofreading for magazines and newsletters. One of those clients was Allergy & Asthma Network, a nonprofit that I’ve now been with for 22 years as a writer and editor. Still playing with words.

Hastings holds a special place in my heart. I’ve idealized it, I know, but the simple life we led, walking everywhere, the small school that allowed us to participate in a wide range of activities without too much competition – with the museums and theatres of New York just a short train ride away – was something I really missed bringing up our kids in the chaos of Northern Virginia.

I’ve not been back much – my parents moved away and I lost track of high school friends after college and London. But working with Eddie and others to organize this reunion has been a fantastic opportunity to reconnect. It’s given me a huge appreciation for what our classmates have done and the people we’ve become – the friendships that go back to early childhood for many of you, and the family ties that keep some living in the area. I haven’t got those, but I do have happy – though admittedly foggy – memories of good times.
!

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What high school activities or events were your most or least favorite?

Favorites: Lang's soda shop!
Cheerleading -- especially marching down to the field on a clear, cool fall day
Chorus and Mr. Riggs -- Carmina Burana!
Drama -- HMS Pinafore, The Barretts of Wimpole Street, and Our Town
Counting the times Mr. Bader said "uhhhh" and "ummm"
Donuts in the cafeteria senior year

Least favorite:
"Good grief, it's Graef!" or whatever that substitute's name was

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