Meet the Specks, who have had several members of their family attend Eastern New Mexico University.
In part three, Greyhound Grads from the family share how ENMU helped them prepare for their careers.
What is your job title and where do you work?
Mike: Assistant principal of Ruidoso Middle School in Ruidoso, New Mexico.
Jim: Flight attendant for PSA Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines.
George and Adelaide: Retired in Lubbock, Texas.
Greg: Vice President of Operations for Select Milk Producers, Inc., the 7th largest Dairy Cooperative in the U.S., located in Dallas, Texas.
Steve: Teacher and football and golf coach in Clovis, New Mexico.
Laura: I work as an Instructional Coach for CORE (Collaborating for Outstanding Readiness in Education) through New Mexico State University. The mission is to enhance the PreK-12 educational experience for all students and to strengthen instructional practices through the development of trust, collaboration and capacity building (TCC) with teachers, leadership and community members. I work in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
How did ENMU prepare you for your career?
Mike: During the 1970s, ENMU had an extremely strong education program and produced great teachers and coaches. The leadership in the School of Education and Liberal Arts had highly motivated and driven instructors. The instructors were self-motivated to produce highly-qualified teachers and athletic coaches, such as B.B. Lees, Dr. Don Fergus, Coach Jack Scott, Bill Joy and others.
Having the tested the waters in other fields, as all students do, computer science, math, drafting, business and accounting, I returned to the school of education and my first love of coaching. At that time, the PE department pushed us to produce more work than the other fields I tested. I couldn't see myself sitting behind a desk the rest of my life.
Jim: Numerous education and math classes prepared me to be a teacher.
George: Learned all the basic aspects of business and how to apply it.
Adelaide: Broadened my academic knowledge of education.
Greg: Very strong education. Excellent accounting courses and instructors.
Steve: ENMU had a good education program at the time; I believe I was well prepared.
Laura: I am a dedicated teacher with a proven track record of commended performance teaching 39 years (age five through adult), with a passion for education and a commitment to optimizing student successes as life-long learners. Never stop making a difference in the lives of others.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Mike: Coaching. The love of competition and the relationships you develop with peers and the athletes you help raise. Athletics may be the last stronghold except for the military we have to develop a strong work ethic and demand for discipline.
Jim: I enjoy the customer service aspect of being a flight attendant. It's fun to meet new people and hear their stories. Plus, I get to fly and have overnights in many locations. Also, we receive free flights to anywhere in the U.S. and Canada for me, my husband and parents, as well as an international flight for a minimal fee.
Greg: Advising and helping employee increase their knowledge and advance their careers.
Steve: Working with kids and being able to work outside in the afternoon.
Laura: I have been able to make a difference in the lives of children.
What advice would you give to a student interested in working in your career field?
Mike: Have patience and always continue learning from all age groups. The importance of education is underappreciated, but you must persevere. Without teachers, there would be no other professions. Education comes first, and coaching is teaching.
Jim: Start applying numerous airlines to get experience for long interviewing processes.
George: Learn all you can, innovate, don't be afraid to take chances
Adelaide: Broaden your knowledge into all areas.
Greg: Make sure you have a good understanding of the basics of accounting. Advance to earn your CPA certification.
Laura: Stay focused on what is important with a career in education. All children are unique, and all children have strengths and weaknesses. Focus and build on their strengths.
