I spent Christmas in Española this year and on the last day of my trip, while dealing with delayed flights, I found myself sitting at the bar in the main restaurant of the Albuquerque Airport.
As I was waiting for my street tacos, a lady sitting nearby struck up a conversation. Being just like my mother, I’ll talk to anyone.
The small talk was pleasant and I learned that “Connie” now lives in Arizona but she grew up in Albuquerque. She too was in town for the holidays. When she asked where I was from, I told her I lived in Dallas but grew up in Española.
To my surprise she commented, “wow you actually admit you are from there?” My response was a bit terse but said that yes, I was proud of where I grew up.
I wasn’t quite friendly after that and luckily my tacos arrived. I didn’t have to talk to her much and she left soon after that.
I was really bugged by that exchange. It isn’t the first time I encountered the raised eyebrows or the silly jokes from ignorant people who probably never spent a day in the Valley. To my surprise, as I was going through some of the Rio Grande SUN’s online stories, I came across Sharolyn Johnson’s letter to the editor and it really resonated.
I felt compelled to write to the SUN to say thank you for running her letter and for helping me stay connected to the Española Valley. Yes, Española has its fair share of issues. Top among them in my opinion is the horrifically high level of drug use. However, I challenge anyone reading this to point out an urban or suburban area without its own issues or societal problems.
Española has a lot to be proud of. For me, the Valley allowed me to grow up in a family centric environment. Española is an area rich in culture and tradition.
In Española, I enjoyed a world class education. Yes, you read that right. In that small town the public education system provided me with a sound foundation of science, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, algebra, calculus, statistics and literature.
I like the adult I’ve become. I’ve had some amazing professional opportunities that I credit to where and how I grew up. This year I celebrate 15 years with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas as their senior director of provider reimbursement.
My home is paid for and I’m planning retirement by age 56 which isn’t far now. I share this not to brag or to be boastful, just healthy pride of my beginnings and to share that this kid from Española did alright.
Tim Gallegos
Dallas