Last Updated: January 28, 2005
Anne Nicole Dendurent, born January 25, 1974
Anne married Spencer Karl Wright on December 8,
2001.
I was born just 15 months after my esteemed older brother, David, at Fairfax Hospital in
Falls Church, VA. I am a native Virginian and proud to be an East Coast girl. I started
dancing at the age of three. Previously, I was a shy little girl; but when I got on the
stage, I was full of life. I spent my childhood filled with many friends and even more
activities -- dancing, piano lessons, voice lessons, cheerleading, softball, [and] girl
scouts. My Mom was the epitome of a taxi cab mom! Throughout junior high and high school,
I was very involved: i.e., show choirs, dance companies, drill team, national honor
society. I had a wonderful time and enjoyed the thrills of performing.
In June 1992, I made my first trip out of the United States. I went to the beautiful,
tropical county of Costa Rica! I saw beautiful beaches, rain forest, bugs in my food! It
was great! I learned to dance el merengue and realized that I absolutely LOVE speaking
Spanish. I graduated [from] high school on June 16, 1992, left my dear home on the East
Coast, and headed West. I attended college at Brigham Young University (BYU). While I was
there, I gained a lot of knowledge and experience and felt the full effects of being a
poor college student with no food! On February 8, 1995, I left to serve a mission for The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Maracaibo, Venezuela. My purpose in going
was to help others feel the peace and happiness I feel in my life. I had lived a wonderful
life of privilege and hope; now was my chance to give back. However, I benefited and
learned more from the people than I ever gave them. I love Venezuela -- the people, the
language, the food! It was truly a wonderful growing experience for me. I was blessed and
protected by the hand of the Lord.
After my mission, I returned to finish college and I realized one of my deepest dreams. I
student taught 1st grade in the inner city Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School on 6th
and Alabama St. in Southeast, Anacostia, Washington, D.C. What a rewarding experience and
an eye opener to further my opinions on social issues, equality, and helping those in
need. I will forever love Mary Evono, my mentor teacher, and my 24 dear 1st graders. It
continues to be a dream of mine to go back and teach in the inner city.
I graduated from BYU on April 22, 1999 in Elementary Education, prepared to head East and
never look back. Oh, but wait -- how did I end up further West???? Must have been my sense
of adventure and spontaneity. I am currently residing in Ontario, CA in San Bernadino
County. I love California. I love the beach, warm weather, big city, and diverse
population. I teach 1st grade at Glenmeade Elementary School in Chino Hills, CA. I love
the experience I am having. I don't even feel like it's a real job because I enjoy it so
much. So, there's a plug for doing something you love.
At 25 1/2 years, I was told I had probably lost all opportunity for marriage and a family.
I beg to differ! My failure to marry is simply due to the philosophy of my father:
"It takes a mighty good man to be better than no man at all!" or "No man is
better than a no good man!" I have great expectations for the man I will someday
marry. My Dad is my greatest hero, so this mystery man will have to be better than
"dear Daddy!" Plus, I have always been my "Daddy's little girl" and
although he says he wants grandchildren, deep down I know he is not ready for me to leave
yet!
I am quite a perfectionist. However, probably as a result of my very active childhood, I
have a change of philosophy. I want to enjoy life and do exciting and adventuresome things
that will give me great experiences to share. I was to travel the world and help people in
need. I want to make a difference. I want to live so that when I die, people will say I
was kind. I want them to say that I lived life to its fullest, and I accomplished all I
wanted and needed to in life! As my Mom always taught me, "Take time to smell the
roses." Life is a journey! -- Anne Dendurent, August 1999.