Banking gives way to teaching

Linda D’Amour was born and raised in Clovis. She spoke of her love for business and how she received a top business award when she was only in high school. Her career starter was 10 years as a banker for First Federal Savings and Loan. She married Don D’Amour in 1974 and they have two sons, Donald and Dustin D’Amour.

link Staff photo: D'Nieka Hartsfield

Principal Linda D’Amour in her mascot sweater celebrating spirit week at her school office at 2000 Humphrey Road in Clovis.

D’Amour’s banking career soon evolved into teaching. She had experience teaching Sunday school. Linda describes her educational background as non-traditional.

She did not go to college until she was 28 years old. She completed her bachelors degree from Eastern New Mexico University in two years. D’Amour then went on to teach for Clovis schools. She has taught at Lockwood elementary and Mesa elementary.

D’Amour received the 2001 Presidential Award in teaching math and science where she was able to meet then-President George W. Bush. She also became principal at Parkview Elementary School later in 2001.

She says that the schools are only as good as the teachers we put in them.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I truly think it’s an honor and privilege to be able to partner with parents in providing education for their students. Where as I was in public school before at first and now I’m in private. It’s an honor to work with both parents and students.

What do you not like about your job?

The things we have no control over that may be the most frustrating.

Who is your hero and why?

My parents, Jimmy and Helen Roman. My dad did not have a high school education at all. He worked from the time he was a very young child to help support his family. They have always been such role models to my sisters and I.

When my mom finished high school my dad was so proud of her. From the time we were little bitty it was instilled in us that we could be whatever we wanted to be.

I grew up in a time where it wasn’t expected for women to rise in position. My math teacher in high school...when I went in for help with geometry, he told me “don’t worry about it, Linda. All you need to know is how to sew, cook and clean a house.” But mom and dad instilled in us not to let anything hold us back and to be honest, ethical, have integrity and work hard

Tell us about a time you cried.

The times I cry, it always has to do with children. When they’ve been hurt, abused or mistreated. As a principal or classroom teacher, you see it all. I’m tender-hearted but I’m tough as nails and I will always stand up for and be a voice for children.

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

Go into medicine. I always wanted to be a nurse. My dad said no, why don’t you become the doctor. I said but daddy, girls can’t be doctors. He’d say, well then you’ll be the first one. So when I received my doctorate degree. I said daddy, I made it. I became the doctor you wanted me to be.

What is your theme song?

It is “Well with My Soul.” Because no matter what happens, roll with the punches and it has to be well with your soul. Either spiritually, professionally or personally it better be well with your soul.

If I could do anything, I would...

I think I’ve done it all. I have no regrets. Everything I’ve ever wanted to accomplish I do. I don’t believe in people laying on their death beds (with regrets)...I’ve always said when I’m 105, when God’s taking me home, I don’t want any regrets. Even though I was married and had kids I still went to college, even though it was hard. It’s better to do it before you’re married with children but I did it. I stayed in and studied and received a masters degree. I ABD’d (All But Dissertation) on my doctorate so on my second course of work I had to start over. Perseverance.

Tell us about your greatest individual accomplishment.

My two incredible sons. Your children, family are most important in life. My husband. We stayed married in a society where marriages are throw away. Those are my greatest accomplishments.

Tell us how you met your spouse.

He was in the Air Force and we met on Main Street. We used to drag Main long ago.

I met him and invited him to church. I told him my dad wouldn’t let me date anyone that didn’t go to my church. So he went to church and dad allowed us to go out and the rest is history.

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

I will still be teaching and working with teachers and students some how some way. I believe that I want the last day I work to be the day when God takes me home. I love working.

— compiled by Staff Writer D’Nieka Hartsfield