AKA:  Kiwi, Mitchy, Meech, Mich, Shell

Birthday:  October 11^th, 1978 (Libra)

Hometown: Christchurch, New Zealand

Family:

• Two brothers named Andrew and Richard
• One sister named Caroline
• Her father, Lindsay, works as a lawyer and her mother, Janet, is a wholesaler and importer of merchandise
• One dog named Gabby

Hobbies:  catching up on sleep, going to the gym, going to the beach, hanging out with friends

Favorite American City:  Anywhere with a beach, New Orleans,  and Birmingham, of course
Favorite Food:  pizza, lasagne, home cooked roast chicken with spuds, icecream, and AL's (open 24 hours)
Favorite Drink:  Jim Beam/ Coke and New Zealand lager (American beer is a bit lame)
Favorite TV Show:  Friends, The Practice
Favorite Movie:  Haven't seen a good one in a while.
Favorite Song:  silence is good sometimes (hint hint roomies)

Travelling:
New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Germany, Hawaii, England, Holland, and parts of the U.S.

Education:
Michelle went to "Ilam Primary School" from 1985-1989. She then attended "Cobham Intermediate" from 1990-1991. For the remainder of her education in New Zealand, Michelle went to "Rangi Ruru Girls School". She graduated in 1996. While attending "Rangi Ruru", Michelle played tennis and field hockey. During her senior year she was captain of both teams and she was an associate head of school as head of sport. Looking back, these years were awesome. Michelle has "heaps of good memories and lasting friendships". For her freshman and sophomore years of college she attended MTSU. She was named part of the All Conference Tennis Team in 1997 and 1998. She also made the Academic Student Honor Roll. Michelle has now graduated with a B.S. in Psychology and minor in Biology at UAB. She is currently in Physical Therapy School and plans on graduating in December 2002.

How she came to UAB:
She transferred to UAB because of the school's Physical Therapy program. She also did not want to travel too far away because she likes the southern weather and warm hospitality of the south. Getting a scholarship was also a big factor.

Perception of the United States:
(Before she came): "Before college, I thought Americans were kind of self-centered and arrogant. I didn't really know what to expect regarding college and life in America."

(After she came): "America is a great place although some of the people can get a bit stressed out (ha ha Lizzie). The education system is different and the drinking age is strange, but all in all I can't complain. People are friendly, there is a great deal of oppotunity to accomplish anything you want, and my time here has broadened my horizons and opened my eyes to so much diversity."

Future Plans:
"Now that I am in Physical Therapy School my immediate plans are to graduate. Other than that, your guess is as good as mine. I guess I will have to work at some point because I am sure my parents are tired of supporting me."

Greatest accomplishments:
Surviving life so far and enjoying the challenges that arise. Tennis team was runner up in National Secondary Schools Competition each year from 1993-1996. Before coming to the U.S, ranked #1 in Canterbury tennis as a junior. Top ten in New Zealand. Also represented Canterbury in field hockey. Making it to the U.S on a tennis scholarship. Graduating and getting accepted into PT school.

Motto: "Keep life in perspective, relax, keep smiling, and have FUN!!!"

Michelle says hello to:
"First of all thanks to Mum and Dad who have always supported me and who I know will always be there for me. Hi to Andrew, Cow, and Rich…Gabs, too. Also to Gran and Grandad and all my Kiwi friends- I miss you guys. Hi Roomies- KB, Monika, and Kristina and also to everyone involved with UAB tennis. Lizzard I hope this web page is a success even though I am not sure about it being translated into German!!"