Inspiring Women Magazine May 2023

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Moving FAWCO into a
Post-COVID-19 World
Ann Marie Morrow, AWC Finland, tells us about herself and her
"new beginning" as FAWCO’s incoming President.
We moved around a lot when I was
younger, mostly within upstate New
York. I remember enjoying moving
to new places, starting new schools
and getting to know new people. Changing high
schools was perhaps more challenging than
changing a school when I was younger, but I was
always on board for another adventure. I even
went to three different universities, but managed
to graduate a year early. I was somehow in a
hurry, taking extra classes, working, volunteering,
and, of course, partying too. My Finnish husband
and I met at university in the US. I never imagined
that I’d live so long in one place as I have now. I’ve
been in Finland for more than 20 years; I came
for one year and continue to “renew my contract”
each year.
Ann Marie
A defining moment in my life was when I was a
freshman at university. I spent a lot of time with
my three-year old cousin, who was getting cancer
treatment. She and her family were staying at a
nearby Ronald McDonald House, and I would stay
there on Fridays as well (Pizza Fridays!) Meeting
all the families and children going through such
battles for life and death was a real perspective
wakeup call for an 18-year-old. The wisdom and
grace of the children and their families was
humbling. It really shaped my outlook and
perspective on what is important in life. I
realized how short and fragile life is.
I don’t want to waste my time doing
things that don’t matter and I try to
spend my time in a way that I won’t
Winter
wonderland
in Finland.
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