Saying goodbye to a dear coworker is never easy. Especially when you’ve seen the impact that professor or advisor or dean or librarian, or IT specialist, or cook, or groundskeeper has had on Estrella Mountain Community College’s (EMCC) students and employees. But knowing that special someone is entering a well-deserved retirement takes a bit of the sting out. To help us say goodbye and thank you to the Mountain Lions leaving us, we’ll be highlighting them as they retire.
After 26 years, EMCC is saying goodbye to Dr. Natalie Ruiz Rivera. The math professor has taught arithmetic, introductory algebra, intermediate algebra, finite mathematics, mathematical concepts, college mathematics, college algebra, brief calculus, and the art of storytelling. She officially retired on Aug. 5.
Q: What was your very first job?
A: I worked in the Mathematics Department for Arizona State University. I would make copies for different courses, go on mail runs, and assist with whatever was needed in the main office.
Q: How has EMCC changed since you began working here?
A: EMCC has grown tremendously. When I started at EMCC, we were a small campus. We were so small that we were able to host graduation outside in front of Estrella Hall.
Q: How has working at EMCC changed you?
A: I have grown professionally and personally. I have learned from the many students that I have interacted with. I also learned a great deal from my colleagues throughout my tenure at EMCC.
Q: What has been your fondest moment at EMCC?
A: My fondest moment was attending my first graduation in 1999. It was such a lovely experience. We had a President’s dinner before graduation in the Community Room, and once dinner was over, everyone put on their regalia and lined up for graduation. It was such a special event seeing the joy in the eyes of students and their families.
Q: What are your retirement plans?
A: My retirement plans are to continue living a purpose-driven life. I will continue to serve my community and enjoy spending quality time with my family. Through life experiences, I have learned to value those who I love because our time on earth is a short one.
Q: Name a hobby you are excited to have more time to devote to once you retire.
A: I have many hobbies. It's hard to just name one.
Q: Any bucket list items you plan to tackle once you retire?
A: I am a spur-of-the-moment type of person. If there is an opportunity that feels right, I will take it.
Q: Do you see any traveling in your future?
A: There will always be traveling in my future. I am an adventurer at heart. I know that I will be taking long and short trips and exploring new places.
Q: How late will you sleep in now?
A: Since I always taught classes at 7 a.m., I would get up at 4:45 a.m. Sleeping in will be waking up at 7 a.m.
Q: Tell us something about yourself that most of your coworkers don’t know.
A: I trained with Sifu Brian Kula Fung. We met by coincidence at a martial arts tournament in San Francisco. I would travel to the Bay Area and train with him and his students. He is a stunt choreographer and trains actors to do stunts in their movies. He trained Sigourney Weaver for the stunt choreography for the movie “Alien.”
Q: What advice do you have for someone just starting to work at EMCC?
A: Make sure that you have a life outside of work. Do things that give you joy. Don’t give unsolicited advice. Have an open mind and always associate with people who want to see you succeed and will help bring out the best in you.
Q: What advice do you have for students just starting at EMCC?
A: Ask questions. If you are not comfortable asking questions in class, send your professors your questions through email. Visit your professors during their student support hours or make an appointment to interact with them. Everyone on campus is here to help you be successful. Join student clubs and apply for internships and scholarships. We have great resources and amazing people to help with whatever you need.