S. Theresa Gonzales:
CLASS OF 1977
Basic High SchoolClass of 1977
Henderson, NV
Lyal Burkholder Junior High School Class of 1973
Henderson, NV
Park Village Elementary SchoolClass of 1970
Henderson, NV
S. Theresa's Story
Life
Whew! What a journey! With many bumps and curves along the way, not sure where to start, but, here goes. After high school. not right away, a year or so later I started working at "TIMET" 15 long, long yrs. Then in 1993 Timet went on strike, 8 months later I started working at UBS as a phleb (drawing blood) worked their for 3 1/2 yrs or so.
In 1997 May 31st I decided to do something everyone I knew thought was crazy, and it was! hey, change is good, right. I moved to the Island of Saipan, I know, I know... Where in the world is THAT! It's a little speck in the middle of the South Pacific, near Guam, Saipan and the Northern Marianas Islands played a very important role in WWII!! Did they teach us this in school!? Long story short, 10 yrs. flew by so fast....The first yr. on the island was an adjustment big time, OMG... Culture Shock! but as time went on, 1 yr.to be exact, I did ok, considering all the ASIAN speaking people here.
The islanders. The natives of Saipan are Chamorro.There are many non english speaking people here from all parts of Asia, get this everyone in Saipan, can and will eat rice 3 times a day! OMG. just give me a potato! hehe. English is their 2nd language. Talk about trying to communicate! I credit the Chamorro people with bringing me back to Catholicism, the Roman Catholic faith is very strong in Saipan. When a love one passes away, Mass and Rosaries are observed for 18 days, first 9 days is for friends & family,the 9th day their loved one is buried, last 9 days of the rosary & mass just family,on death anniv. mass & rosaries, it's all about respect for the dead. talk about faith. I've traveled too several countries in Asia, Europe. and have been to 25 States, I can honestly say without a doubt, it's good to be an AMERICAN!! our country is by far the BEST! in the world. There is no place like home for me.
I've learned so much from the different cultures, and their diversities, most of the people have good hearts and are generous with what ever they have, some have very little, they will share with...Expand for more
anyone, and they're happy with what little they have, it's amazing. Most, if not all of them, want to come too AMERICA! who doesn't right! One of the many reasons I moved here, our town (Henderson) was getting so big, I like small towns, loved that desert, still do, what's left of it! miss those beautiful sunsets, tropical sunsets are nice, for me nothing can beat a Nv. sunset....
Now, after 10 yrs,of being here, everytime I turn on the TV it's Vegas this, Vegas that, and they said what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! ha. Home was calling me home, (home means Nevada) remember that song? I'm planning on moving back with my family, when, ASAP. more like in 6 months to a year. Will I be able too adjust to all that growth! The population in Saipan is about 75,000 no freeways no Hwys. top driving speed is 45mph. yes, I always go over the speed limit. crime is relatively low, I can leave my keys in the car, and not worry about it being stolen, that's unheard of anywhere else, I think? where they gonna go, It's an Island.
A year after arriving in Saipan, I started working at the hospital, "Commonwealth Health Center" I was then offered a position for a Budweiser Distributor, what a switch, change is good, and at present I work for the Govt. in the Legislature. I'm no where near rich, I can't retire anytime soon, ha. But, I'm HEALTHY Thank God! and I'm coming home!
Saipan has been good to me in many ways, I am thankful for the many people that have touched and enriched my life in some way or another and for all the blessings I have received in Saipan, This Island will always have a special place in my heart! As they say in Chamorro, Hafadai, that's Hello and Goodbye!!
Looking forward to our 30 yr. reunion. My baby sis Felicia is a 1987 graduate of Basic. To have all the reunion classes together at the football game, will make for one memorable night!! see ya all there. (-;
Theresa
I Moved Back!!!! Arrived Home on April 22nd "WOW" Major Culture Shock! Now time to adjust to this ever changing town! We'll see how this plays out.
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