Clovis native a poet, former educator

Josie Sena was born and raised in Clovis. In her book, “Memoirs in Poetry Seasons of My Life,” she describes herself as growing up a quiet and timid girl with an incredible imagination.

link Staff photo: D'Nieka Hartsfield

Josie Sena on the front porch of her home in Clovis.

She developed a love for writing and would write anywhere she could. Sena is the mother of three children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Sena said she wanted to be with her children when they were in school and so she started substitute teaching; by doing so was the beginning of her career as and educator in Colorado.

She moved back to the Clovis area where she went back to school to further her own education and received her associate’s degree in 1979 at Eastern New Mexico University, Portales. Sena worked for the bilingual education department and soon earned her bachelor’s in education as well as a certification in special education.

She was a substitute teacher for 12 years at Clovis Municipal schools. Between motherhood and teaching, Sena continued her love of poetry writing through the years.

She earned her masters in education with endorsements in Spanish, classical and modern languages in 2014. Her compilations of poetry were published in December 2014.

Tell us about a happy time.

I hiked three states… the Grand Canyon, at 50 years old… from top to bottom. I was completely exhausted and my eyelashes were hurting. I did that for fun. I hiked. We’d pass the Indian reservations and wave. It was a hippie time (she laughs). What was so awesome about hiking the Grand Canyon was getting up and everything was covered with snow… it was so serene and tranquil. That was when I began to compile all of my writing.

What is your theme song?

Let me think… it’s a popular song… “The Wind Beneath my Wings” by Bette Midler.

When you were a kid, what did you think you’d be doing as an adult?

Well, I always wanted to go to school and I always wanted to write… I wanted to be who I am.

Who’s invited to your fantasy dinner party?

I can’t zero in on one person…seriously; I think it would be people that I have ever met that have become a part of me and I’d invite all of them.

You can’t walk this world alone. You walk with the ones that have come with you and for you.

Who is your hero and why?

I’ve had friends that have encouraged me, cheered me on. Many people have been here for me. I had a friend that just passed away from cancer that was always there for me. I’ve had have many heroes.

Who is your favorite entertainer?

Enrique Iglesias (she laughs).

What is your favorite taste?

Chocolate.

What is your favorite smell?

Fresh air. Nature. I love the outdoors.

If I could do anything, I would…

I would reach back to all those who are struggling and in need of encouragement and I would be the light for them (she gets teary-eyed); I’d be their encouragement.

What plans do you have for the future?

My most recent assignment came when I met Rudolfo Anaya (American author) at a book signing. We’ve known of each other but never had met in person. We had dinner at his house and while conversing I asked him if I could write a biography on him. He said he needed to think about it. Later, he contacted me and asked me to write a reflection of his books. So that is what I’m working on. It’s called “El Voz Delano Estacado: The Voice of A llano Estacado.”

— Compiled by CMI Advertorial/ Editorial writer: D’Nieka Hartsfield