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Sullivan learns, enjoys, appreciates cultures

Susan Sullivan, a resident of Fallbrook since 1999, spends her time helping others – either at Save Our Forest or Fallbrook Hospital.

“It makes me feel good to make others feel good,” said Sullivan.

In 2000, Sullivan became a member of the Fallbrook Land Conservancy’s Save Our Forest effort. She has planted and pruned trees and plants, helped organize educational programs, assisted in fundraising and written grants.

“I love to see the trees that were planted thrive and grow,” she said. “To me, it’s such an easy way to give back.”

Having trees and plants not only helps the environment, said Sullivan, but it helps others feel good.

Every Thursday afternoon, Sullivan volunteers her time with the Fallbrook Hospital Auxiliary in a direct patient care capacity. Be it talking with patients, working with the menu or running errands around the hospital, she enjoys it all.

“It is very rewarding to me,” she said.

Being a volunteer is nothing new to Sullivan, as she has been one for years. “I got involved in volunteering when I was raising my children, living in Madrid, Spain,” she said. “The school depended on the mothers to help with the library or taking kids on excursions.”

Although Sullivan was born and raised in Pasadena, her desire to travel overseas began after she graduated from Scripps College in Claremont. “I had a wonderful life because I was able to live in Europe for many years,” she explained.

Following graduation, Sullivan, who majored in comparative literature and minored in French, was destined to visit France and Italy. In Caen, France, she climbed aboard a 36-foot boat with fellow students. “I spent a month going all along the Mediterranean coastline; it was an unbelievable experience.”

That same winter, Sullivan spent her time in Spain, where she met her future husband, John. “He was in the military and was stationed in Seville.” Their romance, by correspondence, flourished and they married in 1964.

With John still stationed in Seville, Sullivan happily lived in Spain for a couple of years. Already speaking Italian and French, Sullivan’s knack for languages easily expanded to Spanish. “Languages are my love,” she enthused.

Immersing herself in the Spanish culture was a thrill for Sullivan. She said she adored learning how to cook Spanish entrees, such as the popular paella. Being related to master chef Julia Child has given Sullivan an extra talent in culinary endeavors.

“It was just an incredible, in-depth experience in living the Spanish life,” she said.

After John’s military service concluded, the Sullivan family returned to the United States, but not for long. When John accepted a job offer with Caterpillar Tractor, the family lived in Geneva, Switzerland, and then Madrid.

“When we came back to the United States again, my husband was transferred to Caterpillar in Lexington, KY.” It was here where Sullivan became an instructor in Spanish and French at Midway College.

When Midway College became a four-year college, Sullivan earned her master’s degree in Spanish. “I was so delighted to be able to teach there,” she said.

Living around the globe has been a wonderful experience, Sullivan says, and making her home in Fallbrook has also been exciting. Volunteering, as always, maintains a special place in her heart and she hopes others will consider doing it as well.

“Volunteering is like giving a gift to someone who does not expect it, and you see the joy that it can bring,” she said.

 

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