Laura Vasquez:
CLASS OF 1981
Judson High SchoolClass of 1981
Converse, TX
South Garland High SchoolClass of 1981
Garland, TX
Hillsborough High SchoolClass of 1981
Tampa, FL
Thomas Jefferson High SchoolClass of 1980
Louisville, KY
Laura's Story
ABOUT MY LIFE
If you wonder why I've posted myself on three high schools, the answer is simple. I attend each of these schools.
Actually, I went to Four high schools.
I am from San Antonio and these are my roots with family and friends. But, I moved away after 10th grade at Judson High School.
I started my 11th grade at Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Fl in 1979. I made few friends but enjoyed my time at HHS.
In 1980, we moved to Louisville, KY, where I started my senior year at Thomas Jefferson High School for 8 short weeks.
We moved again back to TX in the fall 1980. I completed my senior year and graduated from South Garland High School, in Garland, TX in '81.
Although, I made friends at each school, my heart & soul remains true to the graduating class of 1981 from JUDSON HIGH SCHOOL in Converse, TX.
Funny how our journey in life can take us different places, but some friendships never end. I have remain closest friends with elementary friends:
Amy Cortez (Judson grad '81), Lisa Schirato (South Garland grad '81), Bonnie Ryan (Judson grad '81), Diana De La Cruz.
Here's my story:
MY SPOUSE
I meet my husband while he was in the Marines (he was stationed at Camp Pendleton California). He was in SA for Christmas visiting his high school buddy, (my cousin). I was a senior and was visiting my cousin for the Christmas holidays. I was 17 yrs old, he was 21 yrs old. That was 34 years ago.
We married in SA on Dec. 30, 1983,I was 20, he was 24. We lived in Dallas for 13 yrs and relocated back to SA in 1996, after my Dad died.
Through the test of times, in good times and bad, sickness and health,our marriage has survived.
MY KIDS
We have four children, 2 girls and 2 boys (26,25,23,20)). There is never a dull moment with four kids. I love watching the transition from child to adult. The years have gone too fast for me! I still cry, watching their baby videos.
MY CAREER PATH
In 2005, after 19 1/2 years at FedEx Express, I retired early and changed careers.
I work for USAA as a Life Insurance Specialist. I love my job.
EDUCATION
I DID IT!!!
Finally, I graduated on May 10, 2008 with my BBA in General Business, mino...Expand for more
r in Finance. I have completed two master degrees from UIW.
I lost my sweet mother on Sept. 24, 2013. She was 75 years old. She left many precious memories.
VACATION NEWS for 2008
My Mom just celebrated her 70th Birthday. We took a trip (just a girls trip, with my two daughters) to San Francisco and South Lake Tahoe, California and Yosemite Natl Park. We had a great time. As a tourist, I drove 900 miles in California! I loved California. The sunny sky and springtime weather was terrific. It was extremely windy in San Francisco. And the water was extremely cold at Lake Tahoe. We had a great time!!!
MY HERO
My hero, is my father, Edward B. Garcia. He showed me that through prayer and faith, you can overcome the biggest obstacles in life.
He came from a poor Mexican family in the barrios of San Antonio. Image being 6 years old and shinning shoes for a nickel to put food on his family's table. He was never a follower, never joined any gangs. He lead by example and worked hard to earn a living.
After high school, he joined the military. Afterwards,he worked in civil service with the military bases.
In 1983, at 46, he was unemployed due to government downsizing.
In 1987, at 50, he was reinstated to civil service by accepting a job in New York City. Struggling to regain financial security, he did not find affordable housing. He lived in his car for 18 mths. I do mean, literally, lived in his car!!! He was employed but homeless. He survived by the care packages we sent him via Fedex every week.
By 1989, at 52, he transfer back to TX but soon was unemployed again.
Finally, in 1991, at 54, his prayers were answered. He won his age discrimination lawsuit. He received: job reinstatement with backpay for his unemployed years. He kept his faith and believed he would win, even when we had our own doubts. He retired with full pension at 55.
He fought the fight. He kept the faith. He is my hero.
Sadly, three years after his retirement,he passed away at age 58.
Dad is in my thoughts every day. I draw my strength from him. When I think something isn't going right in my life, I remember his struggles. And I am strong.
I miss him everyday!
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