I was born in Washington, DC, but grew up all around the world, in places like Haiti, Nepal, India, the Philippines, Egypt, Romania, and Abu Dhabi. (But not in that order.) After graduating high school, I went to college at Bucknell University, where I majored in philosophy and political science. (Also, where I met my charming philosopher husband.) In 2004, I moved to Lexington, and then in 2006 I decided to get my masters at the University of Kentucky.
How the heck do you pronounce your name?
Name: Trullinger
Pronounciation: \trəl-in-jər\
Etymology: German
So why did you move to all those cool places?
My mom and dad both worked for the government growing up – my dad worked for the American Embassy, and my mom still works for an organization called USAID, the US Agency for International Development. She’s in Sarajevo these days.
What made you choose Bucknell?
I went to a very small high school (my senior class was less than twenty!), and going to a smaller college allowed me to have small class sizes and get to know my professors. There’s a real sense of community. Also, academically, it’s among the twenty most selective universities in the nation – in fact, it’s in the top ten for engineering. Bucknell also has both need and merit based scholarships and financial aid, so the cost isn’t as prohibitive.
What five books would you bring to a desert island?
In no particular order: The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver; The Lovely Bones, by Alice Sebold; anything by David Sedaris; To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee; and A Prayer for Owen Meany, by John Irving.
What famous people have you met?
Well, when I was younger, I shook hands with Bill Clinton when he came to greet the troops in Haiti, and that was pretty cool. This summer, though, I got a chance to meet Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and that was really amazing. She overcame significant obstacles and accomplished a great deal for equal rights.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I used to play a double bass in high school that was taller than I was.
Favorite foods?
Tandoori chicken.
Favorite TV shows?
I’m addicted to The Office. How could you not be? 30 Rock and Project Runway are pretty good shows, too.
What is Bryan Station like?
Check out a slideshow of some of my favorite moments from last year…
June 1, 2008 at 20:17
Mrs. T,
You look like a real natural and this is such an exciting concept to read about events within the context of BSHS. Keep up the great work and have a wonderful summer.
N. Sassaman
September 14, 2008 at 21:07
Hi – love your blog! I am using it as an example for a 2.0 presentation to the administrators in my district. (I am a high school librarian.) It is one of the few detailed classroom blogs I have found that is consistently updated, used for a variety or purpose, etc… Have you had any difficulties with administrator support? Are students using it? Are parents?
The first few weeks of school, I am sure you are loaded with time to communicate with strangers… But if at any point you would be willing to let me know how it works for you I would appreciate it.
Barb Fecteau – Beverly High School Library, Beverly, MA
October 6, 2008 at 17:58
Mrs. T!
I used your Extra Credit Presidential debates assignment to modify mine. Thank you for posting it! Hopefully, my students will begin to take an interest in national politics with the election and the economy dominating the news. Also, I enjoyed reading about your past including Bucknell University. My cousin Karen Klausner attended Bucknell years ago and really loved it.
At present I teach World History and Geography to 7th graders here in San Marcos, CA. I also teach high school Spanish 1 to 8th graders.
With all you international experiences I know that you are offering your students a perspective that’s very global. Excellent! Hopefully you’re connected to your state’s Geographic Alliance sponsored by the National Geographic Society.
All the best!
Lawrence Osen
Teacher, 7th grade World History and Geography
November 10, 2008 at 09:15
Thanks for the great site. I am going to add it to mine as I think it complements it well. For what it’s worth, I too, grew up overseas (Iran, Belgium and France). -Ken Halla
November 23, 2008 at 21:54
Hey well my last name is also Trullinger and my grandfather said that anyone with the last name Trullinger has relation someone way so I just wanted to say that