Tammy Gates:
CLASS OF 1986
Mayfield High SchoolClass of 1986
Las cruces, NM
New Mexico State UniversityClass of 1996
Las cruces, NM
Tammy's Story
I graduated from NMSU in 1996 (10 years after I graduated from Mayfield!!). My degree is in Special Education, where I'm licensed to teach all disabilities/abilities in K-12, and I have my dual licensure in Science. If I'd stuck with it and taken 2 more upper division science courses and 2 foreign language courses, I would have been "pre-med", which I would have used to pursue a Master's in Physical Therapy. I was too ready to be out of college, and was engaged, so I graduated without my Master's.
I taught SpEd for about 5 years - and totally loved the kids! I taught at the middle school level, then in Hatch at the elementary level, then in Anthony, NM in the Autistic Program. All positions were fun and challenging, but all dealt with political games, and I've never played those very well. I got into teaching for the kids' sake, not to help line the pockets of administration, and speaking my mind/speaking up for my kids didn't seem to go over very well.
After my first year of teaching, I got married. We had a daughter, McKenzie Lena - a feisty, self-assured little redhead (now 9 years old); and we were married about 4 years (McKenzie was about 6 months old when her dad walked out on us). Later, I met a very charming man, in the middle of his divorce. Long story short - he was not near as charming as he pretended to be, we co-habitated for a time - I supported myself, McKenzie, him, and his 3 other kids (they were there every other weekend). We did have a daughter together (oops!) - Madalyn Marie (now 6). I finally had enough of the lying and cheating, packed up all of his stuff and moved it to my front yard where it was waiting for him when he finally decided to show up. He wasn't very happy. He quit working for the Border Patrol shortly after that, moved to Hawaii with his latest "fling", and has worked off-and-on in Iraq, Afganistan, and now in Cuba...all places where he can't hurt or stalk me!! whew!!
During all the relationship drama, I put teaching on hold, and worked at home - raising my two girls and taking care of my two nephews - and almost went stark raving mad for lack of adult c...Expand for more
ontact all day! One summer, I applied with ManPower for a few temporary jobs, until school started back up and I could go back to teaching. My first (and only) temp job was with a local architect for two weeks - then another week, then another--six years later I'm still working there!! I love it (though I do miss teaching and "my kids") - it's something different everyday - new crises, deadlines, projects, etc. I not only answer the phones, I enter payroll, I track the coming and going of plans and specs, I type and edit specs, I plot drawings, I track shop drawings/submittals, and I handle marketing...plus whatever else gets thrown my way!! I really love where I am...I love my employers (who always tell me "family comes first" - who'd have thunk!?!?!), I love my co-workers, the flexibility, the challenges, etc. I've truly been blessed.
Last year, I was able to borrow money from my employer, hired an attorney, and was granted full, permanent custody of Madalyn - hallelujah!!
Both girls are very active, and lots of fun. They are both in taekwondo now, but have enjoyed soccer, dance, and gymnastics. We have 4 dogs, 3 cats, 6 fish, 1 snake, and 2 goats. My girls prefer doing stuff outdoors - and have great imaginations; they spend very little time parked in front of the TV - and I refuse to own PlayStation or any of those other video games. Seems like we are always on the go - and my house is a mess - but we're happy and healthy!!
My favorite quote from my youngest (Madalyn) a few months ago: she was asked by McKenzie how she got the big "owwie" on her knee, and she told McKenzie "I don't know, I wasn't there when it happened!" Too cute, too funny (and yes, she is blonde). When things get tough, and I'm having to skip meals to make the food last, or having to skip paying the electric a couple months to pay for the gas, I only have to look at and listen to my girls to know that they are truly special gifts - I'm their hero and they're counting on me, so I can't give up!! I guess that makes them my heroes! They make me laugh when all I want to do is cry...they are my world, my silver lining.
Register for Free to view all details!
Yearbooks
Register for Free to view all yearbooks!
Reunions
Register for Free to view all events!
Photos
