Mary Pacheco

Melson Realty, Inc.

559-788-2222

License# 00546427

I was born in the United States of America, but my parents came from the Azores Islands, Portugal, in the early 1900's. My parents had a dairy, so most of the employees were Portuguese, so I learned Portuguese before I knew English. I started elementary school without knowing the English Language, and learned to speak English and became very fluent in my first year as a first grader. In 2 months, I knew how to speak English and have been very successful in fulfilling my dream occupation as an administrative assistant. I graduated Porterville High School in 1953, and received my AA Degree from Porterville College in June of 1955. The day after graduation from PC, I received a call from Charles W. Easterbrook, the first Superintendent of the Porterville Schools offering me a job (without interview).



I was referred to Mr. Easterbrook by the Director of the college at that time. Basil Jamison, was the first Director of Porterville College, and he would periodically clear me from all my classes so that I could assist him in secretarial work. It was my understanding that the Business Department recommended me to him. That occurred during all my college education. I was a very good student and had great typing skills and knew shorthand. I guess that was enough, and that I met all the requirements for him to refer me to Mr. Easterbrook.



After reporting to work at the Porterville Schools, in about a couple of weeks, Mr. Easterbrook's secretary resigned to move out of town, and he advised me that I would become his Administrative Assistant. I remained in that position for 45 years, and had more years of service than any individual in the 103 years of the school history. I actually assisted 3 more superintendents following Mr. Easterbrook's tenure.



During my tenure as Administrative Assistant, I was offered another job by IBM representatives who at that time made visits to schools and places of business. They actually watched me type, and called me to the counter and offered me a position to travel all over the world demonstrating typing. I was always a very fast typist and it was an amazing offer. I went home considering the offer and discussed this with my parents, but inasmuch I would need their permission, my father said "NO." At that time parents prevailed, so I turned down the offer and I just stayed in my existing position.



During my tenure with the schools, in 1975, I became very interested in real estate and my husband being a farmer and my parents, who were farmers and dairy people, farm land was always of interest to me. So, I attended school in the evening in Visalia and attended a program wherein you would eventually take a test to become a realtor. That occurred and in January of 1976, I secured a license to sell real estate. So, I had 2 jobs, and I loved them both. It just became necessary for me to get up very early and work very late, and sometimes show homes during my lunch hour. But I enjoyed real estate and after my retirement in May of 2001, I became a full-time realtor. It should also be known that I also taught a couple of years in the adult education program in the evening. In January, I will have sold real estate for 44 years.



Also, my husband passed away in October of 2018, and I am now managing our farms that my husband managed for over 60 years.



I am taking a day at a time, because I find my days full of activities to continue to sell real estate and manage farms and our rental properties.



I am now 83 years old, and will probably stay in real estate for another couple of years, then retire from real estate and only spend my time managing my properties.