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I was born out at our farm in Alva Oklahoma. It must have been nearthe midnight hour because mother said I was born January 2, but whendad and I got my birth certificate it said January 3. So I am a dayyounger than I thought I was or am. When I was 8 years old we moved to Optimo, New Mexico, so my life ismostly New Mexico. In 1924, we moved to Aqua Fria, New Mexico, on the Moreno Valley. Abeautiful place, but cold. We had lots of snow and cold weather.During the winter much of our going from her to there was by bob sledwith a covered top and straw to sit on. We kids thought it was great.On we would go by a one seat sled on horse back. Snow drifts werehigh, the fences were covered. We had a 27 foot drift between thehouse and our small 2 hole shanty we visited often. When my brother Harold and I were ready for high school we went to LasVegas, New Mexico. After I finished high school, I attended New Mexico HighlandsUniversity for 6 weeks to get a provisional Teachers Certificate toteach. I was given a job at Costilla, New Mexico right on theColorado-New Mexico border line. All the children spoke Spanish. Itaught there for 3 years. My salary was $52.00 per month. I paid $16for room and board and saved enough to attend summer school. In 1934 we moved to Oklahoma and there I continued my education andreceived my Bachelors Degree in 1938. After receiving my degree, Itaught at Gate, Oklahoma, where I had six children: 3 eighth graders,one sixth , one third and one beginner. I was all in control. I wasA.) Superintendent, B.) Principal, C.) Teacher, D.) Nurse, and E.)Custodian. I tried my best. By the time I was ready for a change, Isent out applications for a job. Next, I got a job at Hope, New Mexico, not too far from where mysister Hildegard was teaching. I taught Math, Social Studies, andgirls P.E. As the girls P.E. teacher I was responsible for thegymnastics and cheer leaders. It was hard but lots of fun too. Threeyears later I landed in Gallup, New Mexico, teaching math, science,and P.E. at the Gallup Jr. High. This was a most enjoyable year, andnew experiences. By the time school came to a close, I didn't go homebut got married. A new chapter began. Since I got married, I couldn't teach. Married women weren't allowedto teach in Gallup. So I worked in a jewelry store until I was askedto teaclva, Hilda threw a party and meldren. A real challenge but veryrewarding. And then we got my brother's 4 year old twins, Joyce andJason, to care for. How wonderful since we had no children of our own. By this time, my husband Bob quit the railroad and we moved to Taos,New Mexico. While there my brother took the twins back with him and Igot a job teaching at the Taos Pueblo School. After 3 years we wereready for another change. Bob got a job at Kelsey Indian Trading Co. and I got a job at the ZuniDay School at Zuni. A couple of years later, the Indian Schoolsconsolidated with Gallup McKinley Schools and that gave Bob a job atthe schools as head maintenance and I taught math and P.E. at the NewZuni High School. After living at Zuni 8 years we decided to transferto Gallup, New Mexico, and buy our home. At first I taught at theJunior High School, but in a couple of years I transferred to theGallup High School where I spent the rest of my teaching career.During my teaching career in Gallup, I was honored by the FutureTeachers of America as "Teacher of the Year". I was then asked to jointhe Alpha Delta Kappa Honorary Teachers Sorority and be their firstPresident. Finally, and to my surprise, I was admitted into the NewMexico Teacher's Association Hall of Fame. After retirement, I substituted in the math department in both Juniorand Senior High Schools. I didn't enjoy that as much as I though Iwould so I soon quit that. Now what would I do? I decided to do childcare. My first on was a tiny one, a boy. Then I got another one andadditions came fast until I had 7. What a wonderful family I had. Nowthey range from lawyers, to doctors, nurses, teachers, and the lastone is now in the 5th grade. What a great life. Now I do my housework, struggle with reading and sewing. My husbandhas a nice shop where he spends most of his time. Together, we enjoyour church, square dancing once a week, and drives out in the countrysides taking in the spectacular sights.
Roger
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