Jacque Reaves is looking forward to retirement after 32 years on the job as administrative assistant in Socorro High School.
Cathy Cook | El Defensor Chieftain

 

Jacque Reaves is the administrative assistant and attendance secretary at Socorro High School.

What’s the best part of that job?

Getting to see the kids.

How did you get started in your career?

I started working for the schools in 1986, so this is my 32nd year. I took a little time off. I retired when I was 52 to take care of my mother and my mother-in-law and then when they had both passed, I came back, so I’ve been back for five more years.

What made you want to come back?

I missed the interaction with the staff and the kids. I wasn’t completely ready to not be in this setting yet. I really enjoy it a lot, so it’s been nice.

How long have you lived in Socorro?

My entire life.

What do you like most about this community?

The close-knit family type, if you’re in need, somebody’s always there willing to help.

What do you do for fun in Socorro?

We are very involved in our church, the Socorro Baptist Church and we do a lot of things with the church, for the church, that kind of thing and we enjoy camping, going fishing while we’re camping and going and seeing family that are all up here in New Mexico.

Do you have any favorite camping spots?

No, we just kind of like to go wherever. We’re going to be doing more of it now. I’m going to retire in June. June 3rd is my last day, so well get to do more of it.

What are you looking forward to most in retirement?

Spending time with my husband. We enjoy each other’s company. We do a lot of yardwork. We enjoy doing projects in our barn and in our yard. We’re very hands on doing projects, so we never know what we might tackle.

Is there anything you think you’ll miss about working here once you’re retired?

Yes. Seeing the students, again, and the staff, like James. I just enjoy being here, but it comes a time where it’s time to have a different phase in your life, so I’m ready to move on.

How long have you and your husband been together?

Forty-five years, 46 this year.

Do you have any advice for a long marriage?

I do. First and foremost, put God in your life. If he’s the leader and then your husband is the head of household, then there’s ups and downs but God’s good.

Is there anything you would like to see change in Socorro?

Yes. I know kids, I guess they find different entertainment these days, but to me it’d be so awesome to have a place where they can go to have good old-fashioned fun. Like where the old Smith is, have a bowling alley and a roller rink. If I were a rich woman, I would build that.

Cathy Cook, Editor, El Defensor Chieftain