Annamarie Bezzerides

I have enjoyed reading others' bios, not just the accomplishments, but the humor and introspection in describing the path to get there. So, my turn to summarize last 20 years...

Eager to get out of Los Alamos after graduation, I took off for UC San Diego, somewhat blindly. Coming from the protected enclave of Los Alamos, I was quite shocked arriving in SD to see things like restaurants and grocery stores not only open after 9 pm, but 24 hours! Funny to look back, since now I'm the quintessential southern Californian who will circle to secure a front parking spot at the gym (which itself is open 24 hours) to avoid the walk... And, never mind all the rest of the Cali stereotypes, which I probably personify after all this time!

While initially lost @ UCSD, I found my niche academically and personally, graduating with a degree in Sociology in 1991 with honors and all that stuff that really doesn't end up mattering in the real world. After college, faced with a tough San Diego job market and armed with a less-than-marketable degree in the social sciences from a very theoretical university, I managed to keep myself afloat working in sales, marketing and government relations for about 5 years, but sans much of a plan other than a desire for public service. I also had a personal training business, having gotten involved in the fitness & bodybuilding industry (I know that sounds pretty unlikely for a terribly un-athletic, somewhat geeky clarinet player!). Through my involvement in the fitness world, I met a wonderful man, Garrett Downing, in 1995 whom I married in 2001 (read: "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"). Yes, we met in the gym - oh, how So Cal clichéd that is! He was a rising amateur star athlete, who went on to become an international celebrity/pro bodybuilder with a great career that put him in magazines and took us around the world for his appearances and competitive circuit. He even had a little fun with some TV appearances, including game shows featuring athletes (and he actually won episodes of "The Weakest Link" and "Hollywood Squares"!). And, I suppose I also had my own share of the ole' 15 minutes of fame.

Meanwhile, I took a job with my alma mater in 1996 that landed me unexpectedly (again, I had no plan other than to go to law school, which never happened...) on what has turned out to be a very rewarding career path. I began with a position in alumni relations for UC San Diego and advanced to become a major gifts officer, managing one of the team of fundraisers as part of a $1B campaign. And, recently after 11 years at UCSD, I was recruited by Georgetown University's vice president to serve as the key fundraiser on the west coast for Georgetown's campaign. The great thing about this, in addition to getting to work for this wonderful university with its deep history and tradition, is that between trips to DC and around the West Coast, I am able to work from our home, which is 3 blocks from the beach, in a funky beach town north of San Diego -- pretty ideal for a working mom. Oh, yes, forgot that part...

We were slow getting started on the kid front (didn't have first until 35), but made up for it by having them back-to-back: Marina in 1994 and Iliana, 18 months later. Together, these beauties are the light of our lives. So, while I read of my fellow LAHS alumni with older kids, I'm in awe of you all; I am still in toddler hell, which can be pretty nuts when working full time and traveling all over the place! And speaking of which, as all you parents know, priorities do indeed shift, so for now the lifestyle devoted to daily weight training and perfectly prepared meals has been exchanged for squeezing in the occasional spinning class and a diet comprised of way too many goldfish and fish sticks - about as much as a busy mom can hope for!

I read somewhere that for 10 year high school reunions, there's considerable stress in returning with evidence of what you've accomplished, etc. But, by your 20 year, you are so much more comfortable (ah, the beauty of age) with who and where you are, that "coming back" is a more peaceful experience - one to which you really look forward. With some retrospection and introspection, I'd have to agree with that assessment. Very much looking forward to coming back for the reunion and to seeing Los Alamos and having an excuse for my parents to see their granddaughters.

Annamarie