Vapor Trails Member Profiles
Curtis Carlson
Curtis moved to San Diego as an infant, and was raised in the Serra Mesa area
of San Diego, where he continues to live. He enjoys participating in outdoor
activities, taking advantage of San Diego's premier weather.
Many years ago, Curtis' then boss recommended he join a Toastmasters club
to improve his confidence while participating in group meetings at work. He
joined a convenient club near his workplace, and never regretted the decision.
He transferred to Vapor Trails several years ago. To give back to the club, he
enjoys serving as a club officer, and has held most of the club officer
positions within the club. Taking baby steps, he continues to improve his
speaking and listening skills.
- Toastmasters Level: Advanced Communicator Bronze, Competent Leader
- Member of Toastmasters since 1990
Jim McLaughlin
Born in Philadelphia, Jim has lived in Delaware, Ohio and California. He has
resided in San Diego since 1989. He has 3 beautiful daughters, now grown and
married, of whom he is very proud. After graduation from Drexel University in
Philadelphia, Jim has been employed as an engineer specializing in materials
used in aerospace gas turbine engines.
Along life's journey, he has held leadership positions in local technical
societies, religious and service groups, and community associations. Earlier, he
learned much about the world during the summer of 1965 working as an underage
bus-boy at the "Lagoon" restaurant in Brigantine, NJ. It was during 1965 that he
decided that bussing tables for a living would not be in his best long term
interest.
Recently, Jim has spent much of his free time dabbling in photography,
travel, race walking (slowly - if that is possible), community association
duties, and Toastmasters camaraderie.
- Toastmasters Level: Competent Communicator
- Member of Toastmasters since 1994
Veronica Haynes
Area 26 Governor
Veronica joined Toastmasters in 2002. At the time, she felt she would rather
have a root canal without anesthetic than give a speech. That has changed. She
now feels at ease speaking in front of the entire company at which she works: hosting the monthly
luncheon, accepting her service award for 20 years at the company, and congratulating
one of her employees on his dedication to the company.
Giving presentations at work is not the frightening task it used to be.
Her experience with Toastmasters has helped her to grow and is indirectly responsible
for her having a position as a technical training specialist. She is thankful for the support
that her club has given her over the years and is always striving to improve. She has
served as President, VP of Education, VP Membership, VP Public Relations,
Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant-At-Arms of Vapor Trails.
Veronica is a native San Diegan and when she is not attending her Vapor Trails club
meeting, she can be found reading, sewing, or clogging.
- Toastmasters Level: Advanced Communicator Silver, Competent Leader
- Member of Toastmasters since 2002