Jackie Lococo-Perea Rembers Her Time in Ōtaki

1998 seems like a lifetime ago and just yesterday all at once! 

My experience in New Zealand and particularly in Otaki was something that I hold so dear to my heart and I am so grateful for the friendships and experiences I had while there. In the year I spent at Otaki College I learned so much (mostly outside the classroom) and had so many wonderful experiences - from sports, travels around the country, family events, and beyond; the relationships I made and kept over the past 20 plus years are priceless. And, though I miss the letters and care packages, I am so appreciative of social-media allowing me to keep in touch with so many I went to school with down there. 

Initially the experience made me realize how small I was in the world, but later how small the world was!  After leaving Otaki and heading back to the Bay Area in California, I had one year left of high school - I finished my last year with my childhood friends and then left home for college. I worked and went to school earning a degree in Organizational Communication from St. Mary’s College of California. After college, I began a career in Procurement and married the love of my life. I was very fortunate to spend the week leading up to my wedding (2006) with two Kiwis that I went to Otaki College with who were able to come for a visit and attend my wedding. Shortly after my husband and I were married, we left California for Arizona where his family was and began a new adventure. Leaving the ocean for the desert was not something I ever thought I could do, but we are still here and visit my family in California often. I also realized it was a small world when one of my Otaki College classmates/teammates had an uncle coaching and cousin playing rugby at St. Mary’s College and I was able to meet up with an old friend and watch a game (GO GAELS!)! Once in Arizona, I continued my career in Procurement where I am now the Senior Director of Procurement for one of the largest health care organizations in the United States. My husband I have a son who is almost 10 and brings us all the joys in life. He has not tried rugby yet, but does play American Football on a team my husband helps coach, baseball, tennis, basketball, and we also fit in a season of track and field. Needless to say, our weekends are usually filled with sporting events and spending time with family and friends. We do try and travel as often and our life allows and since leaving New Zealand I have spent time in Mexico, Costa Rica, Canada, and Hawaii (my son's favorite) a few times; in addition to some places here in the U.S.. We actually head to Florida and the Bahama's this weekend! I hope once my son is a little older I will make it back to New Zealand!

My experience in New Zealand and Otaki College changed me forever and I will be forever grateful for all I learned and the opportunities it provided. 

 Best regards & Kia Kaha!

 Jacqueline (Jackie) Lococo-Perea