It's their job: Teresa Tapia

Name: Teresa Tapia is a receptionist for Big Valley Auto. She was born and raised in Portales, is married and has two daughters.

How long have you had this job? In September I will have been here for two years.

What exactly does your job entail? I answer the telephones, direct calls and take messages. I stock in new inventory that comes into the store. I send off contracts to banks. I handle a lot of paperwork. I work on vehicle service contracts and handle those so that our customers’ vehicles are covered. Mostly I handle all the general clerical work.

What is a typical day like for you? Every day is different. I am always busy with something.

Why did you choose this job? It actually chose me. When I applied here, I was actually applying for a sales representative. After they found out that I had a family, they offered me the receptionist position that was about to be available because they knew it would allow me to have more family time.

Did this position require any training? If so, what kind? Yes. We use a specific computer system for all of our transactions, so I had to learn how to use it. It took me a while to get the hang of it, but I eventually did.

What do you enjoy most about your job? The people I work for. The people I work with. Also, the customers. Everybody knows everybody around here because Portales is so small. Everyone is so warming that it's almost like a home away from home. Everyone here is family oriented and very close. It’s been such a blessing to work with such amazing people.

— Compiled by PNT Correspondent Carrie Pendleton