Jamie Romero: Belen Schools testing coordinator, traveler, reader & Cornhusker

Jamie Romero, a Belen resident, is the assessment coordinator for Belen Consolidated Schools. She has been with the district for more than 20 years, working as a secondary classroom teacher, district instructional facilitator and assistant principal at Belen High School

Her family includes her husband, Justin; mother, Kathie; son, Justin, and daughter-in-law, Rebecca.

Q If you became invisible for the day, what would you do?

A “I’d first sneak into a museum or historic building after hours and study the exhibits at my own pace. I always feel rushed in crowds and never get to read all the exhibit information.

“Next, I’d sneak into a sold-out concert or sporting event, maybe even go backstage. I’d finish the night with a quiet walk under the stars, peacefully taking in my surroundings and observing all the other people walking around.”

Q What’s the weirdest thing you believed as a kid?

A “When I was a kid, I truly believed that wishes always came true. For weeks before my birthday I would spend hours narrowing down the perfect wish, careful to choose something I truly wanted.

“Trips to amusement parks or anywhere with a wishing well were also another chance to make a wish I was certain would come true. I’d pester my parents for pennies so I could throw them in and wish for the same thing repeatedly.”

Q What does your ideal weekend look like?

A “My ideal weekend is all about relaxation: watching sports, reading a good book and either staying at home or camping on the road. We recently bought a new camper and have been trying to dedicate one weekend a month to travel somewhere in New Mexico.

“We’ve recently gone to Eagle Nest and to T or C where we stayed by the lake for the Elephant Butte Luminaria Beachwalk & Boat Parade. While my husband fishes, I sit quietly to read or simply take in the fresh air and sounds around us. Whether at home or away, weekends are my time to recharge and cheer for my favorite teams.”

Q If you could only have three things on your bucket list, what would they be?

A “The first thing on my bucket list would be to take a month-long road trip across the country, visiting all the places I’ve always wanted to see.

“Next, go to the Olympics to see the opening ceremony and see at least one Olympic event. I would really like to see either gymnastics or volleyball in person.

“Lastly, I would like to become fluent in a second language. I took French in high school and remember very little of what I learned. I would love to learn French or Spanish and then take an international trip to practice speaking in the native language.

Q Do you have a secret talent? What is it?

A “I wouldn’t call it a secret talent, but I often surprise people with my billiards skills and my ability to shoot a bow. In my early 20s, I played in a billiards league and an archery league, attending weekly events for both. I also kept a pool table in my shop and practiced several hours each week. I haven’t practiced either in a few years though so I’m sure I’m a little rusty at both.”

Q Have you ever seen a ghost? Where?

A “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a ghost, but I’ve felt a presence of one a few times. Years ago, while working as a waitress through college, I was opening the restaurant and stocking supplies. While walking down a long corridor to the supply closet, I heard footsteps behind me even though I was alone. When I turned, no one was there. As I continued, the footsteps came again, so I hurried back to the kitchen with the supplies.

“Although I never experienced that again while working there, I was always a little nervous when having to walk down that corridor early in the morning or late at night.”

Q If your dog, cat or other pet could talk, what’s the first thing it would say?

A “If my cat and two dogs could talk, the first thing they’d say would be, ‘We don’t like it when you leave town?’ Our pets are spoiled and used to getting daily treats.

“Every morning, Peanut, our cat, meows for her treat and fresh water. If we leave for the weekend or longer, she waits at the door when we get home. As soon as we open it, she gives us an angry look, heads straight for the treat cabinet and meows until she gets her Delectables treat. Then she strolls over to her water bowl demanding fresh water.

“Our two dogs, Sissy and Blue, greet us outside with excited barks and immediately demand treats, scratches and hugs. I think they’d also complain that they don’t get to run around helping my husband feed the livestock when we’re away.”

Q If you could have a lifetime supply of anything (except money), what would it be and why?

A “A lifetime supply of puzzles and books. At night, I’m usually reading a novel or doing a word search, Places Please or Sudoku puzzle. On longer breaks, I buy jigsaw puzzles to assemble while I binge watch a show on one of my streaming platforms. I also try to read one book a month. Puzzles and books help me unwind, unplug from work, and recharge. Reading before bed also helps me relax and fall asleep more quickly.”

Q You’re granted three wishes. What are they? (And you can’t ask for more wishes.)

A “My first wish would be that no one must battle cancer ever again. We all know someone who has had cancer and it is such a devastating disease that impacts not only the person but their loved ones.

“My second wish would be to see my beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers win another national championship in person. I try to return to Nebraska each year to catch a football game. Seeing them win another natty in person would be amazing.

“My third wish would be to retire comfortably with no debt so I can travel and check items off my bucket list.”

Q Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A “In 10 years, I see myself finishing up my final years with Belen Schools still working as an administrator in the district.

“After retirement, I plan to travel more, return to Nebraska often to visit family and watch games. I would also like to take a more active role in my community through volunteering or local groups.

“I could also see myself picking up a new hobby like gardening or photography to stay active, get outdoors and keep life interesting.”

Q If money didn’t matter, what job would you have?

A “I would love to have a front-office role in college sports at a university. I could see myself working as a compliance officer, event manager, operations coordinator or academic advisor. Many skills from my current and past roles transfer well to those positions, and I’d enjoy supporting student-athletes and being part of the athletic environment. That work feels especially important now given the sweeping changes currently reshaping college athletics. Also, a job in college sports would allow me to be closer to the action and have a front row seat to games.”

Q Is there anything about you that people are surprised to learn?

A “I’m an extremely picky eater. I don’t eat eggs, seafood or many cuts of beef like ribeye, sirloin, brisket or flank. I stick to chicken, ham, turkey and well-done ground beef.

“Cooking is pretty tricky since my husband dislikes many vegetables, so our monthly menu stays small.

“My mom laughs because I ate everything growing up on the farm. On the plus side, I don’t have expensive tastes at restaurants. My go to is a cheeseburger and fries. “

Q If you could pick a day to relive again and again, which one would it be?

A “My favorite person growing up was my grandpa. After we moved to New Mexico, my parents would send me back to the Midwest each summer to visit him.

“I helped with chores on the farm, then we’d head to the local café to play cards, shoot pool and chat with the other farmers before finishing afternoon work. During my visits he would also take me to the fair, rodeo or local events in neighboring towns.

“I’d relive any one of those days with him if I had the opportunity to. I also think about the last day I got to spend with him before he passed away. That is a day I’d like to have back. The memory of his face smiling back at me when talking about roping and horses will forever be etched in my mind.”

Q Would you rather spend a day without your phone or without speaking? Why?

A “Without speaking. I would characterize myself as an introvert. I generally focus on internal thoughts and feelings. When in a crowd or with friends and co-workers I’m usually the listener and observer.

“I typically don’t talk or text much but going a day without my phone would be harder because I keep digital books on my Kindle app and hundreds of songs in iTunes that I listen to while cleaning house, working out or walking. Silence is easier than not having my phone.”

Q What is your biggest pet peeve? Why?

A “Bad driving! One of my biggest pet peeves is when people don’t use their blinkers or cut in front of you just to slam on their brakes and turn right in front of you causing you to have to hit your brakes.

“Another pet peeve is people leaving a door open when it’s cold outside. Growing up I heard, ‘Close the door, we don’t live in a barn’ quite often and that stuck with me. So, an open door or window in chilly weather drives me crazy.”

Q What is that moment in your life you will always remember?

A “When I married my husband, Justin. We got married on June 27, 2015. The entire day was unforgettable from walking down the aisle, to exchanging vows, to dancing and celebrating with family and friends.

“We still laugh about the funny moments: the photographer catching a picture of Justin ‘roping’ me that left a welt across my chest and back, and chauffeuring guests home at the end of the night who had clearly enjoyed the celebration.”

Q If you woke up as your 16-year-old self tomorrow, what would you do?

A “I would saddle my horse and head out for a long trail ride or a practice session in the arena. Growing up, I spent weekends and summers riding around the neighborhood, along ditchbanks and trails, meeting friends and staying out from sunrise to sundown. I also spent most days after school practicing for upcoming horse shows and queen competitions or helping newcomers to the sport learn to ride. Riding tended to keep be busy and focused on something I truly enjoyed.”

Q What’s the strangest purchase you’ve made (or almost made)?

A “A two-seater Nissan 370z. I’ve always driven either a large truck or SUV. For some strange reason I decided to buy a car about 10 years ago. It was fun for the first couple of months, but I quickly became disenchanted. I didn’t like being so low to the ground or having almost no room for carrying things.

“At the time, we lived south of Belen and had a long driveway; whenever it rained, I was afraid the car would get stuck. After nine months, I traded it in and went back to a truck vowing to never buy a car again.”

Q Where was your most unforgettable vacation?

A “A trip we took when I was 5 to California. We left from Omaha and traveled to Anaheim, Calif., to go to Disneyland. I was obsessed with Disney movies when I was young so getting a chance to go to Disneyland and ride all the attractions was amazing. My favorite ride was It’s a Small World.

“My uncle, who was working for a television studio at the time, also took us to ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ and ‘Happy Days’ sets.

“We continued south to San Diego to visit more relatives and then went to Tijuana. We finished our trip by meeting up with family friends in Las Vegas before heading home. That trip marked the first time I rode on a train and an airplane.”

Q If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?

A “I’d go to Hawaii. As a former U.S. history teacher, I’ve always wanted to visit Oahu’s Pearl Harbor National Memorial, including the USS Arizona Memorial and the aviation museum. I’d love to drive the scenic coastal routes and visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

“To top off the trip, I’d take a whale-watching boat tour and try paddleboarding or kayaking. If I was feeling really adventurous, I might try some of the local cuisine.”