JoAnn Lopez
Jul 22, 2010 21:30 Filed in: Alumni
Stories
Hey everyone. So while I grew up with many of
you since kindergarten, some of you may not know me
as I actually left OG in '77 and finished 3 years of
high school at Santa Teresa. I am planning to
attend both class reunions as I have recently
reconnected with friends from both schools. I live in
Elk Grove now, up near Sacramento. I've been
here almost 10 years and I am a single mom of an
amazing 18 year old daughter, Courtney, who just
graduated with a 4.2 GPA from high school. (ok,
enough of the proud mom stuff! lol).
Shortly after our graduation in 1980, I moved to New York and spent a year there just working, living on my own and enjoying my independence. I returned to the bay area in '81 and have spent 29 years in manufacturing operations working for companies in Silicon Valley. I love what I do! I've been with Apple for 11 years as a Global Sourcing Manager. I work remotely from my home office and have been blessed to have traveled to nearly every famous international city in the world during my career. Ok, Rome is my absolute favorite but I've been all over Europe, Asia, Australia... it's been an adventure. I return to NYC a few times a year, I love it there. Probably not a surprise to some folks that I also coach Cheerleading. I run the high school cheer program as Advisor and Head coach at Laguna Creek High School. I've also coached competitive/Allstar cheer and hip hop dance teams to nationals. It's so rewarding. People think I'm nuts for continuing with it now that Courtney's headed to Sacramento State to get her teaching credentials, but I love being involved with these Student Athletes and contributing to the growth and development of their character. As long as my schedule allows it, I will continue coaching cheer.
Those are the high points of the past 30 years, but in between there have been some low times. We've all faced our challenges in life; the dips, the valleys. The worst moment for me was losing my brother quite abruptly to cancer 13 years ago (Mike Lopez- class of '77). I know that some of you may be struggling right now and it may be keeping you from coming to the reunion - but I hope it doesn't. We've all had our bad times. And right now nearly everyone is feeling at least a pinch economically. If you are struggling in life, then now, more then ever, you need to be surrounded by your 'roots'. I promise you, we have all grown and there won't be judgment, just laughter and memories and acceptance. All of us have aged. I am rockin' the plus size myself. And men, bald is beautiful! LOL! So let's get together and have a great time! And even if you don't recognize anyone, well, it's also a great opportunity to make new connections with folks raised in the same neighborhood. Lastly, if it's a financial burden that's keeping you from purchasing, but you really want to attend, please let the committee know. They have set up a donations button for folks who are positioned to contribute and you might just be able to come after all.
So what are you waiting for? Buy a ticket and be sure to come up and say hi to me... I'll be the extra curvy redhead laughing way to loudly and I'll have a big hug waiting for ya! Go Eagles!
Shortly after our graduation in 1980, I moved to New York and spent a year there just working, living on my own and enjoying my independence. I returned to the bay area in '81 and have spent 29 years in manufacturing operations working for companies in Silicon Valley. I love what I do! I've been with Apple for 11 years as a Global Sourcing Manager. I work remotely from my home office and have been blessed to have traveled to nearly every famous international city in the world during my career. Ok, Rome is my absolute favorite but I've been all over Europe, Asia, Australia... it's been an adventure. I return to NYC a few times a year, I love it there. Probably not a surprise to some folks that I also coach Cheerleading. I run the high school cheer program as Advisor and Head coach at Laguna Creek High School. I've also coached competitive/Allstar cheer and hip hop dance teams to nationals. It's so rewarding. People think I'm nuts for continuing with it now that Courtney's headed to Sacramento State to get her teaching credentials, but I love being involved with these Student Athletes and contributing to the growth and development of their character. As long as my schedule allows it, I will continue coaching cheer.
Those are the high points of the past 30 years, but in between there have been some low times. We've all faced our challenges in life; the dips, the valleys. The worst moment for me was losing my brother quite abruptly to cancer 13 years ago (Mike Lopez- class of '77). I know that some of you may be struggling right now and it may be keeping you from coming to the reunion - but I hope it doesn't. We've all had our bad times. And right now nearly everyone is feeling at least a pinch economically. If you are struggling in life, then now, more then ever, you need to be surrounded by your 'roots'. I promise you, we have all grown and there won't be judgment, just laughter and memories and acceptance. All of us have aged. I am rockin' the plus size myself. And men, bald is beautiful! LOL! So let's get together and have a great time! And even if you don't recognize anyone, well, it's also a great opportunity to make new connections with folks raised in the same neighborhood. Lastly, if it's a financial burden that's keeping you from purchasing, but you really want to attend, please let the committee know. They have set up a donations button for folks who are positioned to contribute and you might just be able to come after all.
So what are you waiting for? Buy a ticket and be sure to come up and say hi to me... I'll be the extra curvy redhead laughing way to loudly and I'll have a big hug waiting for ya! Go Eagles!