Michèle Cabrol

My name is Michèle (Mimi for my friends). I am 63 years old and I am now retired from my profession as a medical technician in X-rays. I was born in Paris, France, from an Italian Mom and a French Dad. I still reside in France today. Life took me out of school when I was young?but I went back later. I spent my childhood and teenage in Arcueil, about 7 km south of Paris. I am the oldest of three children (I have a sister, Francine and a brother, Jean-Marc). My dad long passed away in 1977, but my Mom, Joséphine, is doing wonderfully. I love them all very much and will take them in thoughts with me in this expedition. If you are wondering why there are two people with the same name in this team?and looking a lot alike, no wonder: I am Nathalie's mom! My husband passed away a year and half ago after we had been married for 40 years.

As a young woman, I needed a job to help my family so I went to work for six years in an advertisement company where I edited texts. But then, I had the opportunity to enter the medical environment, first as an assistant to a radiologist. I soon wanted more and literally learned the profession of X-ray technician while practicing daily. When I was 37 years old, I finally went back to school and graduated first with a Baccalaureat from the University of Jussieu (Paris VII) in France, Section D, which means math, physics, and biology. The following year, I completed a national degree in X-ray. I learned anatomy, and this was very important at a time when we still needed to know it to position instruments. It is not like today where sophisticated equipment helps us do that in no time. I spent a few months practicing in a cancer therapy center and finally was hired in a X-ray medical center where I spent 24 years and ended my carrier in 1996. This center was in "La Défense", a district right next to Paris.

In addition to my profession, I always enjoyed painting (oil/canvas), sculpting with a special clay that is found only in the region where I live now. I also work on tapestries, some very large pieces, especially one of Aubusson, which I started?30 years ago. I am working on it in and out as it is a very demanding and delicate work. I love classical music and art in general. I also decided to learn English, which can come handy with a daughter leaving in the States... I already speak Italian (thanks mom!) and I am learning Spanish too.

Today, after a few years of quiet retirement in my house near Cosne-sur-Loire, 180 km south of Paris, I want to go back to school and study again. I am fascinated by planetary exploration, the study of the Universe and the evolution of humans. This year's expedition is for me a turning point. I will be in charge of the French Education and Public Outreach for the French Chapter of the Mars Society. It is also a unique chance to experience more of the world and other cultures, just what I want. I am really looking forward to live fully this experience and share it with many people. I will take it as the stepping stone to my second youth!