the story of my life

Mrs. Tavares’ timeline1974-present

The Story of My Life

I was born Angelena Christina Lucero on August 1, 1974 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona to the parents of John and Katheryn Lucero. As the fifth daughter, I was loved, cared for and treated like a princess.

Birth

Raton, New Mexico sign

I moved to Raton, New Mexico in 1983 with my parents, younger brother and older sister. We moved because my dad was offered a new job. It was a easy transition for me. I started fourth grade with a new group of classmates who welcomed me.

Move

I graduated from Raton High School in May 1992. One of my older sisters gave me a “perm” the night before. I hated it and washed it out immediately. She was so mad at me!!

Graduate HS

I moved out of my parents’ house as soon as I graduated from high school and moved into a dorm at NMSU. This place would become my home for the next 5 years.

NMSU - New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM

I met Rudy when I was in my 2nd year of college. He was in the Army and stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas. We were 19 years old and fell in love in a short amount of time.

Rudy

Rudy and I married on November 9, 1996 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Both of our parents were happy for us but worried that we were too young.

Married

I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education Degree from NMSU in December 1997. I was beyond proud of myself!!!

Bachelor’s degree

I started teaching at Mountain View Middle School in August 1998. I was 24 years old, both nervous and excited. I taught 7th grade Language Arts and Math as well as 8th grade Language Arts. I soon became pregnant that same year.

1st year

I had my first daughter, Gabriella Soraya Tavares on June 15, 1999 in Riverside, CA. My husband and I were so happy but were new parents and had to adjust.

Gabby

My mom was diagnosed with Cancer – Multiple Myeloma in July 1999 right after my daughter, Gabby was born. She was given 5 years to live.

Cancer

We bought our first house in 2001 and moved in!! It was a small house but a great starter house. We lived in this house for a couple years and then moved to a new, bigger house!!

1st house

As I was teaching full-time, had a 5 year old and was pregnant, I finished my Master’s of Art in Teaching degree in April 2005. It was a difficult journey but worth it in the end!!

Master’s degree

We had our 2nd child, Isabella Rose Tavares on May 9, 2005. I had a tough time getting pregnant and was very happy to have her!!

Bella

I completed a marathon (26.2 miles – I walked/jogged it) in October 2007 to raise funds for my mom’s cancer. I raised over $2000!! My mom and dad were at the finish line. She (my mom) had lived much longer than the doctors ever expected.

Marathon

On August 14, 2010 – my mom passed away. She was 67 years old. My dad and mom were married for over 50 years. It was an extremely difficult time for me and my extended family. I had a rough year teaching.

August 14, 2010

Last year (2012), my husband Rudy and I decided to get healthy. We changed our diet, started exercising and focused on weight loss. I have lost 35 lbs!! I am beyond proud of myself!!

Healthy

In September of this year (2013), I completed my first 3.5 mile mud run (obstacle course). It was physically and mentally grueling but I completed it in 47 minutes!!!

Mud run

I am so happy that I have assigned this project. I feel that I have learned a lot about my life by completing this project myself. I hope you enjoy it as well!! Good Luck!!!

Journey