Winter's Personal Page
home photos resume research links email me
I hope this little bio (well I guess it isn't all that little) isn't too boring for anyone, not that my life's been a bore…in fact it’s been great and exciting at almost every turn…
My name is Winter Faulconbridge Keeler, I know that seems like a strange name, but I like to think of it as unique. I have two wonderful parents, Russell and Rosemarie, and a younger brother, Luke. When I say that I'm lucky I know it, I have very understanding and loving parents, who wanted me to have a better life and all the advantages they didn’t. Luke and I are best friends, I realize that may sound strange to some, but we are. Of course we fought horribly when we were little kids, but as we matured our rivalry evolved to friendship.
I was born in Pinehurst, North Carolina and raised in a little town called Lakeview, North Carolina. To tell you the truth it’s more of a community than a town (that's how tiny it is), but I like it that way. It's the kind of place where you know your neighbors and everyone helps each other out. As a matter of fact, this little community has formed a group to protect the lake the town has grown up around. Many years ago the town of Lakeview bought Crystal Lake from the state of North Carolina so that it wouldn't be drained and filled. Over the years this group grew and is now known as Crystal Lake "SUPPORT" Inc. They’ve worked hard to ensure that Crystal Lake will always be around, it is now recognized as a historical site. *(Little known fact, Lakeview used to be a resort town, that was back in the 1890's.)*
My elementary and middle schooling took place in a kindergarten through 8th grade school, Vass-Lakeview Elementary. Hard to believe it's now only an elementary school, but I guess things change. I then moved on to Union Pines High School and on once again to UNC-Chapel Hill, only the best school around! Coming to UNC was a big change for me, my high school graduating class topped out at 178. Some of the very people I graduated high school with were in my kindergarten class. Yes, definitely a small school. I'm studying Journalism and Psychology and plan to major in both. I just finished a J-50 class, that’s how I’m able to share all this information, via the web page of my own creation, with you. At the moment I'm interested in pursuing public relations but there's still some time to decide.
While
going through school, my passion was horses. Thanks to my mother who was determined
to teach me how to ride (she grew up in England learning to ride) and my father
(who grew up in Connecticut, not learning how to ride) for allowing her to.
Believe it or not, I was riding before I could walk. Horses have been a lifeline
for me at times. I've been able to gallop out my frustrations and leave all
my problems behind…for a while anyway. I've learned a great many things
from these beauteous creatures, respect, responsibility, patience, understanding,
determination, hard work, and (though it may sound corny), love. While in
high school I was given an awesome opportunity to work at Longleaf
Pine Farm. It's a thoroughbred racehorse farm in Southern Pines, N.C. The
people there were wonderful. They were constantly giving me opportunities
to grow and learn. Cosy Lathrop, owner, took a chance on a youthful girl (yep
that’s me) and helped give me some of the best times of my life. Mona
Gardella, farm manager, took her time teaching me so many things. Mona was
so patient with me; the respect and responsibility she gave me helped mold
me into who I am today. Mona and Lauren Hart worked with Slew City Princess,
the horse I rode, and me so that we could compete and do well. If you don't
think animals can become some of your best friends, then you must not be an
animal person, because that's exactly what Princess was to me. (For some pictures
of us check out my photos page).
Who knows exactly what will become of my life? I just know so far it’s been a big, wonderful, adrenalin pumping experience, and I hope I’m lucky enough to be able to experience more!