John A. Garcia:
CLASS OF 1972
Robertson High SchoolClass of 1972
Las vegas, NM
New Mexico State University - EducationClass of 2005
Las cruces, NM
John A.'s Story
I have been and am currently a college professor for 33 years and have used my expertise In teaching Critical Reading and Education courses since receiving my Ed.M. and Specialist Degrees in Reading from Harvard University. I attended their Graduate School of Education after completing two B.A. degrees and an M.A. in Education from NMHU in Las Vegas. I finished all doctoral coursework and completed my oral & written comps for my doctorate in Education. I never thought I would end up a professor in Higher Education, an author (12 textbooks and a Novel--"A Hoodlum at Harvard"). You could say that the title of the novel was inspired (even though he was in no way an inspiration, mentor, or role model) from a conversation with our high school counselor several weeks before our graduation from RHS--he actually told me that I was "not college material" and should "scrap my plans to attend Highlands University. You are not intelligent enough to make it at the college level, you hang out with the wrong crowd, and as I see it, you will probably end up being a HOODLUM for the rest of your life if you don't follow my advice and attend Luna Vo-Tech where you can learn a skill, get a certificate, and settle down." As you can see from what i have accomplished, I never followed his NEGATIVE and DEGRADING advice. I have taught at universities and colleges in NM, Arizona, Northern & Southern California, and North & South Texas. I am well-known for developing Reading programs and for Curriculum Development---I take full time positions where I can best serve an institution and where I can guarantee the success of its students. I have developed a number of systems (Learning Strategies) that I had field tested at Harvard, before publishing them in some of my books. I am currently single again (divorced) with no children---during marriage,...Expand for more
I did raise a stepson and step daughter who I have been very proud of. I just finished my latest project: "College Reading Series: Thinking It Through" published by Kendall-Hunt Publishing Company and being used in colleges in Texas. I spent many years training in Martial Arts and was also a full contact fighter in the ring when I was younger and a lot quicker. I still work out regularly and am proud to say that I only have a few gray hairs mingled in with a full head of hair. I stilll love sports and muscle cars---never owned anything but muscle cars from my first 455 Trans Am to several Corvettes. I love my Lexus and my Corvette---they are my babies today! I still would like to get married again someday---I have not been to a great reception in quite awhile---my wedding would provide that with dancing into the wee hours of the morning. I do not drink unless I am in Las Vegas (NV), Reno, Lake Tahoe, or Atlantic City on trips. I travel quite a bit and have my own consulting company (Edu-Con, Inc.) that I run alongside my teaching duties. One thing I do miss from RHS were some of the friends that I made there and have not seen or had contact with for many years. Someday, I hope to re-establish contact with some of them. Anyway, I hope that your life has been as great and adventurous as my life has been---I could not have chosen a better life after leaving RHS. I don't know if it was the military that kick-started my goals and ambitions or the fact that my Mom and Grandma had much faith in my abilities and intelligence (along with a two former professors that I am still in touch with from Highlands University and a couple from Harvard). Take care fellow classmates---I would love hearing from some of my classmates if you have the time and would like to begin a contact. God Bless you and your future endeavors!!
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