Adolescence to Adulthood

by Vasili Christakos, staff reporter

Susan Laverda Byrne, originally born with the name Susan Ann Laverda is a mother, teacher and mentor to many. As a young child of merely eight years of age Mrs. Byrne is remembered with short dark brown hair, a seemingly perfect nose, accompanied by flawless teeth, and perfectly aligned since birth which meant she never needed to wear braces.

The year was 1986. The place was Howard Beach, New York. Mrs. Byrne was eight years old at the time and she was just about to go on her first vacation to Disney World. Her parents made sure that a young Mrs. Byrne or their son John would be aware they’d be going anywhere. That is until she got into a limousine with her parents, brother, and surprisingly her aunt and uncle were there as well. On the way to LaGuardia Airport, Mrs. Byrne was told by her parents that she was going to Disney World. At the time the only parks built were Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center. She was allowed on as many rides as her heart desired, within the guidelines of her parents of course.

After a great day they retreated back to the beautiful Polynesian Hotel. It was here where they would later enjoy themselves at a luau with an array of mouthwatering foods that seemed limitless to the naked eye. The next day the Laverda family sat together and had a hearty breakfast with their favorite Disney characters who came to the hotel.

More than thirty years have passed and Mrs. Byrne continues to hold onto this memory as it has embedded itself in her heart forever. Fast forward to 2018 and Miss Susan Ann Laverda is now Mrs. Susan Laverda Byrne, married and raising a son named Cooper.

Mrs. Byrne has become a very successful English teacher. Beyond that she has grown up to be a mentor to many students and her wisdom helps all those in need, who wish to listen and learn, for that is what she can offer.