Cathleen Tavares:  

After graduating from La Puente High, I went on to attend Whittier College (thanks to Joe Sarthou!!), where I graduated with a Major in Social Sciences and a double minor in psychology and education in 1979. Attending college really brought me out of my shell!! I even joined a sorority (or "society" as they are called at Whittier) called the Thalians. I only wished I had joined sooner.. After graduation, I went to work for the State of CA, (EDD) from 1979 through 1986. I worked in Unemployment Insursance determining UI eligibility. My goal was to eventually return to college to obtain a Masters in Education. However, a good friend presented me with a great opportunity to spend a year in Portland OR, and decided to take a year leave of absense. That year has definitely been extended several times over. I have been an Oregonian for the past 20 plus years..I work in the state capitol (Salem) which allows me the opportunity to see politics in action. I've been a state employee for almost 14 years now. Unfortunately I never did go back to teaching, although my current position allows me the opportunity to do a lot of outreach an...Expand for more