William Yanez:  

Life In my many years of teaching which all began in September of 1960, I've often wondered about the many young people whom I've had the pleasure of working with as to -- Where they went? What they're doing? What's happening in their young lives (they'll always be young lives to me)? And so on... Invariably I'll see someone ... we'll exchange greetings, have a conversation, or may lead to continued friendships on adult levels. One thing I do have a problem with is that after 50+ years of being involved with education, I don't always remember the name. The face ... the eyes especially trigger my remembrances, and I'll recall perhaps the name...or the class ...sometimes where you might have sat...but then sometimes I draw a blank. If I do this to you, I apologize, but perhaps you'll give me a break -- "Hey, Mr. Yanez, remember me _________, class of _____"? Well, I began my career at Palo Verde High School in Blythe, CA (1960-64) and amazingly I very vividly remember many of these students. Perhaps it was because I was just beginning my career...perhaps because I was close to students' ages (was 21). After that I moved to Santa Maria, CA, married Vivian Lomeli and we had two children. They're adults now, Andreanna and Tomas, who are both successful and happy in their married lives. Andreanna lives with her husband Ken and our three Girlies near the Bay Area (Burlingame, CA) while Tom lives with his wife Julia and our three young Guys in Philadelphia, PA. Vivian and I celebrated our 49th wedding anniversary this past December, and this ye...Expand for more