Kathy Holcomb:
CLASS OF 1968
Lynbrook High SchoolClass of 1968
San jose, CA
Kathy's Story
After graduation I completed a degree in PE/Biology at Cal Poly, SLO, all the while carrying on a bi-coastal relationship with my high school sweetheart, Bob Holcomb (LHS '69). We saw each other twice a year during those college years, but we wrote each other each day, via snail mail! After he graduated from West Point in '73 we were married 10 days after graduation and then started to travel like I never have before in my life! I lived all over the US, from coast to coast and spent 4 years in Augsburg, Germany. After 20 moves in 20 years Bob retired in '93.
Along the way we had two wonderful kids. Bob Jr, 35, is a former US Army helicopter pilot. He got out of the army 2 years ago and is a simulations software consultant for MAK Technologies. He and his family currently live in Suffolk, VA, about 3+ hours from Bob and I.
Our daughter, Becky, is a licensed vet tech specializing in MRI anesthesia and works in a specialty hospital. She and her family live in The Plains, VA, about 30 minutes from us. It's wonderful to have the kids so close.
Moving as a military wife can be challenging. To have a career of your own is difficult to say the least. I did a ton of volunteer work the first 7 years, along with teaching biology and HS completion (GED) to the troops overseas. After we returned to the states in '80 I started my own business in direct sales. I was successful, having moved it 13 times. I was on track for a 'pink car'... that should tell you what I was doing! I loved the company, the people and the product. But in '95 we'd relocated to Leesburg, VA, as Bob joined a think-tank in northern VA. The idea of rebuilding a customer base didn't appeal to me any more. So I decided to go back into the classroom. I'm still active with Mary Kay Cosmetics, remember I love the product!
After we moved to northern VA in '95 I decided to go back to school. The ultimate goal was to become a vet. I redid all the sciences, loved organic, microbiology, and genetics. Aced nearly every course! Applied ...Expand for more
to VA Tech and didn't get in on the first try. Then my wise mother-in-law asked me how much debt I'd have when I finished the vet degree... I started to think about the debt load and realized that what I really loved was the classroom experience. So I subbed for a year in Loudoun County and discovered that I loved being back in the classroom and middle school was what I really enjoyed. The elementary kids cry too easily and the high schoolers just seemed a bit jaded. I went on one job interview, got the job I wanted and the school I wanted. Talk about luck!! That was ten years ago and now I'm department chair. I teach 13 year olds and they're the best. The name of the course I teach is "Life Science" but it really is evolutionary biology. We live in a rural area, the kids are great, and this year we get Promethean Boards in our classrooms! I love my job, the people I work with, it'd be perfect if it wasn't for NCLB!! But I can handle that. :)
About 6 years ago Bob and I decided to leave suburbia. We hated the homeowners association and it's petty rules. And just felt crowed living there. We found an older home on 25+ acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's so peaceful and quiet. I even love coming home after a vacation. But after teaching all day in an environment that has a lot of interruptions along with the constant chatter of kids in the halls it's a blessing to come home to 'The Shire'.
Life is good, as one of my roommates from Cal Poly aways says. We're blessed with many friends, a wonderful family, two grandsons, and two granddaughters.
Bob and I will be at the 40th reunion this year and we're bringing Dick and Pat Baker as our guests. I found myself telling my students about Mr. Baker from the beginning of my renewed teaching career. That prompted me to find him again almost 8 years ago. Thank goodness Mr. Dexter was still in the 408 yellow pages and he had the Baker's address.
I wish all my classmates health and happiness. I hope to see you at the reunion.
Kathy :)
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