Lao Tzu once wrote, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” My journey has led me to East Montana Middle School. Before I share my expectations, I’d like to talk about my professional journey.

In 2003, I graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Communications from California State University-Fullerton. Despite being a manager at Nordstrom, I realized that retail wasn't my long-term career. In 2004, I interviewed for a journalism teaching position at San Elizario High School. My first interview in education was a phone conference with the committee.

As we concluded the phone interview one Friday afternoon, the principal asked if I had any questions.

“Would it help my chances if I met you in person on Monday?” I asked.

“It definitely would,” the principal replied.

The next morning, I packed all my clothes in my 1997 Honda Civic, said goodbye to my wife and newborn girl, and drove to El Paso. On Monday morning, I walked into the principal's office.

“Congratulations. You got the job.”

That's where my educational journey began.

After two years at SEHS, in 2007 I took over the journalism program at Hanks High School. I earned my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas-El Paso in 2010. I didn't leave the classroom until 2017 when I felt ready for my next challenge. After 13 years in the classroom, it was time.

In 2017, I became an assistant principal at Fabens Elementary School to improve my understanding of the vertical structure in education and how early education impacts secondary learning. After two years at FES, I transferred to Fabens High School and spent another two years there. In 2021, I was hired as an assistant principal at Ricardo Estrada Middle School. After spending one year at REMS, I was hired as an assistant principal at Horizon High School, where I have been for the past two years.

After 20 years in this profession, I still wake up excited to get to campus to meet our kids, our staff, and our community. I hope in our journey together, you’ll share in my excitement and enthusiasm for the most important profession in the world.