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Saratoga Springs, NY
I was born to Lucia Inez Gomez on November 20, 1962 and joined 12 other siblings. I did not grow up with the luxury of knowing my father. Ultimately, there were 7 girls and 7 boys in our family. I have one younger brother. People often ask if we are Catholic (we are not) because there are so many of us. -
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Childhood
Throughout my early childhood years in NY, my family and I enjoyed the hot summer days at the natural springs and the horse races where my grandfather worked. In August, Saratoga overflowed with tourists from everywhere who would bet on the harness races. Fall season meant it was time to pick apples, make pies, applesauce, jelly and apple butter. Winter's arrival brought incredibly harsh weather of snow and ice that threatened to never leave. Beautiful Spring always managed to come though. -
The Move to Connecticut
The summer before my 6th grade school year, my mother married and left NY with the four youngest children to start a new life in Groton, CT. My brothers and I were not happy about leaving the comforts of our birthplace, but our household was not a democray, so off we went. I spent the next 6 years growing up in a Navy town that produced nuclear submarines and pharmaceuticals. -
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Life in Connecticut
My brothers and I adjusted to CTquickly enough. Throughout Jr. and Sr. high school, I was a cheerleader, track runner, basketball and softball player, dancer, actor, singer and very active in the church that was literally in my back yard. My Sr. year of high school was made most eventful when I was selected to be the school mascot for the year. Friends still call me Freddy (the Falcon) today. -
Robert E. Fitch High School
By the time high school graduation rolled around, there were two things I knew I would do: first, leave CT to return to NY and second, live in a Spanish-speaking country. I moved to Briarcliff Manor, NY to attend the King's College with a major in Spanish. This school had a study abroad program for foreign language majors. -
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To Spain and Back
The first time I lived in Spain, I was 18 years old. I was so afraid to be so far away from everthing and everyone I knew. It didn't take me long to embrace the lifestyle and culture; I was becoming an adult! In 1984, I returned to Spain for a year while completing a master's degree. I met Scott Sanders, a Chattanoogan enlisted in the Air Force. We traveled back and forth over the ocean every six months for two years to see each other, and enjoy as much of Spain as possible too! -
The King's College
I attended the King's College from 1980-1983 and received a BA in Spanish. The fall of my sophomore year, I went to live in Valencia, Spain for 6 months. The credits I earned there for my major allowed me to graduate a year early at the age of 20. I was unsure about a career at this point, but within a year, I had applied to graduate school to pursue a master's degree in Spanish. The very day I returned from Spain, I was offered a teaching position in Spanish at the King's College. -
Chattanooga Bound - All Aboard!
When it looked like Scott was finally finished with the military, I packed up all of my earthly treasures, crammed it all into my economy car, headed south, and relocated to Chattanooga, TN. Scott returned to his hometown by that March, and we set out to begin a life together. -
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Chattanooga State Technical College
After trying my hand at personnel work for the Krystal Company in downtown Chattanooga, I soon realized that my passion was in education. Thankfully, I landed a postion at Chattanooga State and developed a foreign language department and program over twelve years time. -
Wedding Day
Scott Sanders and I were finally wed in Chattanooga, TN after a 5 year courtship. Our wedding day was everything we wanted and the reception was the best time ever. Our families blended together nicely. We had so much fun that somehow I managed to break my eye glasses! -
A Star is Born
Jonathan David Sanders is our first-born. He was our fifth pregnancy and a welcomed gift. He is quiet and reflective. He has always been tall for his age. It is estimated he will stop growing at 6"4". Today, he is a handsome, 14-year old, high school freshman who loves life, football and basketball. -
Another Star is Born
After yet another pregnancy loss, Rachel Lucia Sanders joined our family! She was our biggest baby - 9 lbs., 2 oz. From the day she was born, she displayed a strong personality and instantly bonded with her dad. He is her world. She has grown up to be a beautiful, intelligent, athletic 7th grader with a passion and talent for singing. -
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Dalton High School
I was introduced to the Dalton Public School System by one of my students at the college who had graduated and was teaching Spanish in one of the elementary schools. It didn't take me long to sign on once I visited the schools and met the students. I have been teaching high school Spanish for the past 12 years. -
The Last Star is Born
Surprise, surprise! At 38 years of age, I met my son Jordan Lee Sanders, one of the sweetest, kindest souls ever. We are rarely apart because he loves and protects his mama! He is a huge Alabama football fan. He is a well-rounded, energetic, fun-loving 10 year old whose goal is to change the world. -
Lesley University Graduate
I'm currently pursuing a leadership degree in technology with Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. The past year has been an incredible, eye-opening journey of learning, not just about the latest trends in technology and education, but also about myself as an older student. It was one of my students last year who encouraged me to enroll in this program and confront my fears that stemmed from inexperience and limited training in technology usage. It's one of the best decisions I have ever made.
