Entering West High with an extensive and inspiring background, West High’s new College and Career coordinator Mr. Maldonado is eager to help shape the futures of many proud Warriors. As a new member of West High, Mr. Maldonado has great ambitions, having experienced a long journey to West High himself.
Mr. Maldonado reflected back on his long journey to West High by describing how he developed control in life, beginning through his experience “in the Air Force active duty for four years,” and how he “was able to gain discipline” as a result. According to Mr. Maldonado, his experience in the military pushed him to “really step out of [his] comfort zone and talk to people.”
These newly developed conversational skills directed him towards teaching, as he pursued his passion as “an English teacher in Japan for three years.” Mr. Maldonado then wanted to “further inspire students,” thus becoming a guidance counselor. Transitioning from the military to the educational field was a sharp turn, yet an inspiring one, directed by a passionate vision. Mr. Maldonado and the College and Career Center offer crucial guidance to West High students, but students still have yet to meet their full potential. While advice about “enrolling into college, career exploration scholarships, [and] assistance with writing up college essays” is a step away, many students remain ignorant of these valuable resources or simply choose not to maximize them.
Highlighting that all students (both college-bound and otherwise) are welcome, Mr. Maldonado wants to clear the misconception that college is every student’s choice, stating that, “going to a trade school, joining the military, or just working right after high school” are all viable post-graduate options. For students interested in such pathways, the College and Career Center has all the necessary information students should hear.
Having experienced an incredible journey himself, Mr. Maldonado strongly believes that he “can uplift people” and lend a hand to the constantly evolving student body.
Students will always learn something new after stepping out of room 7107. Mr. Maldonado’s genuine way of uplifting people and the advice he has to offer is truly praiseworthy. He advised, “Do not feel discouraged, because I am living proof that you can become something in this lifetime. Regardless of what your grades are, regardless of what your education is — you can become something.” The future may seem foggy, but Mr. Maldonado and room 7107 are here to show us Warriors the way.
