What teaching tip or counseling advice do you have for other faculty?
When you commit yourself to something, you owe it to yourself and others to give your very best. Define your personal standards so you can discover what turns your passion into action.
What careers or jobs did you have before working at SBCC?
Before moving to California, I was the Deputy Superintendent at the New Mexico Youth and Diagnostic Center. It was very challenging and rewarding because it was a job that had never entered my thought process until I had an opportunity to work with a good friend of mine.
After that, my career has been in Kinesiology and Coaching Women’s Intercollegiate softball. Prior to SBCC, in 1996 – 1997, I was an Assistant Professor at Cal State Eastbay University.
Who was your most influential teacher and why?
Ms. Vidano, my High School Coach in Field Hockey, Basketball and Softball. She was a mentor that provided guidance, support, and encouragement throughout my high school years. Coach Vidano’s experience and assurance helped me understand that my passion for sport and exercise could lead to a wonderful career. She also demonstrated daily what respect and standing for something meant. From that I learned never to be outworked, which motivated and inspired me to stay focused and determined.
What is your favorite student line or excuse?
I know I didn’t turn in my homework, can you please give me extra credit!
What are you reading now?
I just finished reading Queen of the Night by J.A. Jance. A very dear friend went to a reading in Albuquerque, and J.A. Jance signed the book for her. She gave it to me for my birthday.
What do you love about your job?
I love the beginning of each semester because I meet so many students that are excited about their education. I love that our school is constantly being recognized for its excellence. I love that I get to live and teach in such a beautiful community. I love that I get to share my passion for my career everyday through teaching and coaching. I get to plant the seeds of greatness and I relish the opportunity to have an impact on student’s lives by creating an environment in which they can be successful. Attitude is a choice, and I choose to be positive. The choices I make with a positive and productive attitude prepare me to teach and coach with class. A positive attitude is contagious and powerful!
What has been your greatest accomplishment and/or challenge?
I have been blessed with many great experiences in my life. The educational journey of pursuing and receiving my doctorate was a great personal accomplishment. I am also very proud of the acknowledgment I received for Faculty Excellence, and being named by four different organizations as the Coach of the Year in 2011. As I delve into my early educational experiences, I would also included receiving a full-ride athletic scholarship to play softball at the University of New Mexico, playing in 3 College World Series, being named a 3 time Scholar All-American and graduating Magna Cum Lade and receiving a fellowship for my Master’s degree.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
That I was drafted in the first round of the Women’s Professional Baseball League in 1998 and La Vonne "Pepper" Paire, from “A League of their Own” Rockford Peaches and Phil Niekro of the Atlanta Braves were the General Managers of our team. I would also guess that not many people know I ride Motorcycles and fly in Hot Air Balloons.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
My idea of happiness is contentment. Being happy with what I am today. I think of happiness in terms of staying balanced and keeping things in perspective. I believe that people act and feel like their environment. I like to put myself in environments that allow me to prosper. A 10 day vacation in Maui isn’t half bad either!
What historical figure would you most like to meet?
I would love to meet Mildred “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias. She is recognized as one of the first and probably to this day one of the best female professional multisport athletes and a pioneer in women’s athletics. She acquired her nickname because people thought she batted like Babe Ruth. She won two gold medals and one silver medal in the 1932 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. She won 82 professional golf tournaments and was invited to play in the Men’s 1945 Los Angeles Open. She was named the Women Athlete of the Half Century in 1950.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Since I still have a list of places I want to visit, this one is tough! However, I will say Canmore, Alberta Canada. The Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies are spectacular. Canmore is nestled along the Bow River. I fished, hiked, golfed, and canoed while enjoying the breath-taking views.
What is your personal Motto?
PLC – Not only are these letters my initials they are my motto.
Always be PREPARED by doing the little things right.
LOVE what you do and it will show in your actions and attitude.
