Our People: Teacher gives gift of self

Nichole Foster was born and raised in Clovis. She's a mother of three who said she feels like she's been through a lot in life for the average 34 year old. She had her oldest son when she was a senior in high school.

Continuing her education has been one of her greatest achievements of her life. After high school, she decided that she needed to have a goal for herself and her new child. She started attending Clovis Community College for the nursing program, but changed her major to become a teacher and enrolled at Eastern New Mexico University where she received a bachelor degree in education. She said she would not have been able to do it without God in her life.

But she hasn't stopped there. She plans to take classes in the fall to pursue her masters degree. Foster is a third-grade teacher at Sandia Elementary School.

What do you like about your job?

I love my job because I am able to make a difference in a child's life.

Tell us a story about your childhood

When I was little I would love to play outside with the roses and flowers. My mom and aunt used to give me old perfume bottles. I would get the roses and soak them in the water in the sun. I would pour the water in the perfume bottles and take them to my friends down the street. I would say it was homemade rose perfume.

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

When I was a kid I used to think of paying bills as an adult. And now that I am an adult, paying bills is not as fun as I imagined.

What's the best gift you've ever given?

The best gift I have ever given is myself - to help another in need. I love giving.

What fantasy/mythological creature would you have as a pet?

If I could have one mythological creature it would be a pure white unicorn with wings, and when the sun shines it would sparkle like glitter.

What's your favorite smell?

My favorite smell is coconut lime candles.

If you could master one instrument, what would it be?

If I could master any instrument it would be the piano.

Tell us about your greatest individual accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment in life is going to college.

Tell us about your most favorite place traveled?

My most favorite place that I have traveled would be the beach in California and Mexico.

What do you envision your life being like in 10 years?

In four years I envision my life still teaching and having my masters degree; my children growing and my oldest son in college. My husband should be a supervisor at his job.

— Compiled by CMI Correspondent D'Nieka Hartsfield