Williams
credits family
By Misty
P. Salaz
Heather
Williams came to UNM with one thing on her mind education.
The past three years have provided more than she ever hoped
for.
In June
1999, Williams began working at the UNM School of Law as an
administrative assistant I while attending school full-time.
In 2000, she transferred to the Medical School Admissions Office,
but went back to the law school as an administrative assistant
II. In July, Williams was promoted to administrative assistant
III.
Growing
up in Gallup proved to be an influential portion in her life.
Someone who still lives there makes the city special.
My
grandma, Josephine Chavez, worked really hard to take care of
the family and did whatever she had to do, whatever job it took
to support the family, Williams said.
Although
Williams always appreciated her grandmothers responsibility
and love, one life-changing event would exemplify the elders
strength.
My
uncle was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1991, which was
the year I graduated from high school, and she took his kids,
Williams said.
After taking
in the 14-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, Chavez also
had to deal with a down turn in her husbands health.
She
just never gives up, Williams said.
When Williams
left Gallup, she and her family had to adjust to a new environment.
Although
moving can be a hassle, she said UNM gave her a warm welcome.
I
got into Anderson and now I am graduating in May, she
said.
Williams will earn a bachelors in business administration
with a concentration in human resources.
Williams
said part of her inspiration comes from her husband, Manuel,
always a positive force in her life.
He
stuck by me when we moved from Gallup, which was kind of hard
because this is a big city, she said. He encourages
me, he doesnt mind me working all the time and he helps
me so much with the kids.
Showing
the same determination as her grandmother, not only does Williams
attend school and work at the law school, she also has three
children Andrew, 12, Betty Jo, 7, and 17-month-old Sarah.
Williams schedule is tight, but she always sets aside
time to spend with her kids.
Although
Williams hasnt decided what she wants to do after she
graduates, she said having the opportunity to work at the UNM
School of Law has been a memorable experience.
I
love it because it is a great place to work and it is a good
community, she said. Everyone is really nice and
we try to take care of each other.
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