Condensed Autobiography

Kate and Karin Project

Submitted by: Ladd Kocinski

International Falls Cohort

I was born May 15, 1949 in International Falls, Minnesota. The name chosen for me was Ladd. I like my name and have never wanted to be called anything else. My childhood was a very rich and nurturing experience. I have a close, caring, wonderful family that has always been there for me. My father always included me in his activities and I went everywhere with him. My mother has always been very nurturing, forgiving, and encouraging. She can always see good even in the worst situation. I have two sisters and one brother. My sister Franshull is the oldest, then Im next. My sister Charlaine is behind me and Charles is the baby. There are two girls and two boys with two years in between each of us. Mother must have been a great planner! My father died unexpectedly in 1982. I miss him everyday!

Elementary school, in fact, school in general, has been enjoyable to me. In the early years I enjoyed both the learning and the social aspects of school. I have had excellent teachers most all the time and they have been patient and very good to me. I hope I have been able to exhibit these excellent traits to my students as they are essential to a good teacher.

During my high school years I was involved with construction, logging, and heavy equipment. I developed a very high interest in these areas and enjoyed very much participating in these fields of endeavor. These experiences pointed me toward my future vocations, teaching construction trades, and being a contractor.

I attended Rainy River Community College and received an Associate Arts Degree in 1969. I attended Mankato State University from 1969 to 1971 and then transferred to Bemidji State University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1974 in Industrial Education.

I married Valerie Larson in 1976 and she remains my wife, sweetheart, and best friend. Her thorough organization has saved me many times and she is a great cook and social partner.

I have been teaching school for twenty three years and running my contracting business for the same time period. I enjoy both jobs and am excited about being involved in the UMD Cohort to obtain a Masters Degree. I want to develop much needed skills in the technology field with computers. Before starting the cohort I couldnt even turn one on, but I know Im on the right track and UMD has all the people and resources to put me as far along the cyber space track as I want to go. I have approximately nine years left in education and I want them to be the best that they can be for both myself and my students. I feel with the combination of my years of experience and my new technology abilities I should be able to do a much better job in my career.

As retirement becomes part of the not so distant future I hope to remain active to a limited degree in education and also enjoy my airplane and island in Ontario on beautiful Rainy Lake. Gods country!

-- Anonymous, May 12, 1999