"Gosh, you’re not so bad Miss Muench!" I have heard this comment several times from new students who had heard "horror stories" from former students who did not complete their Anatomy/Physiology course. In case you, too, are wondering just what that new teacher, Ann Muench, is like, here’s some information about me:

By 2001, I had been torturing students for about 27 years at DACC! Before those 27 years, I gradually improved my "torture techniques" by teaching at Olney Central College, Felician College, De Paul University and University of Illinois! I myself experienced the agony of, "Can I make it through this course" at Marillac College (where I never finished their Bachelor’s in Nursing program), then at St. Louis University, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Biology and again at the University of Illinois, where I was awarded my Master’s in Zoology. To prepare myself even better for a career teaching Anatomy/Physiology, I again "submitted myself to the test" at Loyola University and De Paul University by taking additional courses in anatomy and in physiology.

For me, the experience of discovering I did not have all the talents/skills necessary to become a nurse was close to crucifixion! There was even a year of "in hospital" practical experience, when I tried to close the gap between my excellent knowledge and my poor nursing skills. Little did I dream that this Providential, "real world" medical experience would some day permit me to better prepare my students for their own careers!

Some other job experiences include working with dogs and rats at G. D. Searle in an attempt to discover a medication which could lower blood pressure with minimal side effects, and working as a secretary at the national headquarters of a fraternity. None of these opportunities, however, have come even close to the satisfaction experienced when my students learn how to actually apply information from the courses I now teach!

Re. my family: I have one brother (who is the eldest) and three sisters, who are scattered throughout the midwest. Although my mother died in May, 2001, my father (who became 92 in June, 2001) is still studying Spanish! I myself have never married nor had any children. That’s why I can find the time to write this during my summer vacation!

My interests include: flower gardening, making dried flower arrangements, walking in the woods, singing and playing a small keyboard and being an active participant at St. Paul’s Catholic Church.

Has this "introduction" helped to alleviate some of your fears about me and the course? If I have omitted any information which would be helpful, by all means let me know! In the mean time, I hope you can now more easily focus your attention on learning.

Decide how important your career goal is to you. Are you willing to invest some time in serious study to provide a solid foundation for your chosen career? Have you planned your schedule in order to facilitate this study?

I will look forward to meeting you personally in class and assisting you to establish a solid foundation for your future career!