ASB clerk says goodbye after 21 years
W
ith the passing of another year, many ponder plans they have for the coming year and the prospect of beginning anew. For Alma Jimenez, Southwest Associated Student Body clerk, the new year will bring her the rest and relaxation she needs as she retires after working 21 years at Southwest High School.
“Since coming to work (at Southwest), I have enjoyed every day,” Jimenez said.
Inside the ASB office, Jimenez’s desk overflowed with flowers, gifts, and goodies from the friends, family, students and coworkers who are going to miss her at the school.
“When I retire, I am going to do what my heart desires,” Jimenez said. “If I don’t feel like doing anything, I won’t do it at all.”
Jimenez began working at Central Union High School during the 1970s until she was asked if she wanted to hold a job at the new school opening up in El Centro.
“In February of 1996, I started (at Southwest) as an ASB clerk and have been here ever since,” Jimenez said.
During her time working at the high school, Jimenez has experienced many memorable moments she holds dear to her heart including her son’s high school graduation in 2011 and experiencing the trials and tribulations that come when the high school football team is hosting the competition for the California Interscholastic Federation regional title.
“We helped organize (the event) but it was more stressful watching them play. We just wanted them to win,” Jimenez said.
Stepping in for Jimenez is Sonia Maturino, who said she is looking forward to learning anything and everything she feels she should learn about her new job.
“I love to learn new things and be as helpful as I can,” Maturino said.
Maturino has been shadowing Jimenez for three weeks prior to Jimenez’s retirement.
“Nothing but positive vibes here in the office. Mrs. Jimenez and Mrs. Richmond have been very helpful and patient while I learn to carry out all my job duties,” said Maturino.
Diane Richmond, ASB clerk, will continue to work alongside Maturino, but she is going to miss seeing Jimenez, her partner in crime, around the office.
“She has been the best and I could not have asked for a better partner to work with,” Jimenez said.
Richmond began working at Southwest as the ASB clerk in January 1976.
“My first impression of Alma when I met her was that I had a lot to learn because I had never worked for a school district before,” Richmond said.
Richmond said she is going to miss Jimenez’s assuring demeanor.
“(Jimenez) always tells me not to worry about things and it will work out,” Richmond said.
Working together for over 22 years, Richmond and Jimenez are practically best friends in and out of work.
“Every day we try to make a memorable moment because we love this job so much,” Richmond said.
Now with the new beginning her retirement brings, Jimenez said she would like to someday settle down in a house overlooking the ocean in San Felipe.