Our People: Educator finds joy in students, music

Kayla Paulk was made in Hong Kong, born in Maryland, has lived in Cuba and California, but calls Orange Park, Florida, home. Paulk is a Navy brat. She moved to Portales in 2005 to begin a teaching career at Eastern New Mexico University.

Prior to working at ENMU, Paulk taught at Stetson University at DeLand, Florida, where she met and married her husband Jason Paulk from Cartersville, Georgia. He is a professor of music/director of choral activities. She said children were not in God's plan for them but they count their numerous students as their own and invest in them as much as they are able.

Paulk remains busy with teaching and performing at ENMU during the academic year. She enjoys summers with her husband and family reunions. She also enjoys fly-fishing, hiking and spending time with the couple's basset hound, Steinway. She is a vocal coach/collaborative pianist at Eastern New Mexico University.

What do you like about your job?

I absolutely love my students. I believe I learn more from them than they ever learn from me. Each day they teach me what it means to be more curious, more energetic, more enthusiastic, more creative and more caring. It is a joy to have them in my life. I also love teaching and making music, both with my students and with colleagues at ENMU. I count myself blessed beyond measure to be able to do what I love every single day.

What don't you like about your job?

In addition to teaching, I collaborate extensively as a pianist with students, faculty and guest artists in recitals and concerts at ENMU and across the U.S. A regret I have is that I cannot accommodate every request I receive for musical collaboration. I often wish there were 48 hours in a day, so I could double the rehearsal and performance experiences with students and faculty/guest artists. As it is, I am only able to manage about 12-15 recitals per semester (in addition to my teaching and work with the ENMU choirs). Saying "no" has not traditionally been a part of my vocabulary, but it has become necessary to be realistic about my commitments of time as our ENMU music department continues to grow.

Tell us a story about your childhood.

While my Dad was stationed in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as a Navy pilot and the base meteorologist, a typical day found my brother Greg and I chasing Marine tanks in the hills behind our house. The Marines on board the tank would toss us C-rations (MREs) and spent ammunition, which was a big thrill to us as children. We also enjoyed watching boa constrictors digest frogs (my Mom's way of getting us out of the house at times), playing in a neighborhood fort with friends and, following a late afternoon viewing of "Felix the Cat," watching our Dad deliver the weather report on the evening news.

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

Exactly what I'm doing now: Teaching and performing as a collaborative pianist. I also wanted to be a pilot and began realizing that dream at the University of Oklahoma by completing my FAA ground school exam and a few flying lessons before moving to New Mexico. I hope to complete my private pilot's license when I have time. In retirement, most likely.

What's your favorite song at the moment?

Mark Harris' "When We're Together."

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

My undying love to my husband Jason when we became husband and wife in 1999.

What is your favorite quote?

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." — Groucho Marx

How would you describe yourself in one word?

Giving.

Tell us about your parents.

My dad Ken Liechty is a 20-year Navy veteran P-3 pilot/meteorologist, and enjoyed a second career as a middle school principal. In retirement, he has been active as chairman of the board of BASCA, an organization that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities achieve a higher quality of life and sense of belonging. My dad has an enormous heart, incredible generosity toward others and a love of animals. It is from him that I became a giving person and learned to love flying. My mom, Linda Liechty, is... well, there really are no words to describe her. She is Superwoman. She had a full career as an elementary school guidance counselor and, at the same time, served as pianist for our home church (she served over 40 years in that ministry position). She is physically active, is a mean cook, and can weave a spellbinding tale like no one else. She is beloved by everyone she meets. She is truly one-of-a-kind.

Tell us about your favorite place to travel?

As a musician, I've had so many opportunities to travel as a performer. I've performed in China, Prague (Czech Republic), Italy, Germany, France, England, Scotland, Newfoundland, Vienna and Salzburg (Austria), and numerous cities throughout the United States. If I had to choose a most favorite place, it would be a tiny little spot in New Mexico called Navajo Dam. You'll find the beautiful San Juan River's "quality waters", and you can fly-fish for the most beautiful rainbow and German brown trout. Standing in the river with water up to your waist, as trout swim around you and majestic mesas and cottonwood trees frame the landscape, is heaven on earth to me and only with Jason by my side.

— Complied by The News Correspondent D'Nieka Hartsfield