Bio

A Passion for Learning

My name is Armando Pérez Jr., I was born in El Paso, Texas on October 28th, 1992.  I am the oldest of three siblings.  I come from humble beginnings, my dad is a truck driver and my mom is a clerk.  One of the most important chapters of my life began as a transfronterizo student at the age of 6, our family made the decision to cross the U.S. Port of Entry in El Paso (on a  daily basis) just to attend school in the United States.  I have vivid memories of early mornings, late nights, being tired all the time.  My family was discriminated against in Juarez because my sisters and I had the opportunity to attend a school in El Paso while the children in Juarez labored in family farms; for much of my childhood, I felt as if I didn’t belong on either side of the border. 

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As I reflect on my upbringing, I realize the importance of education throughout my life.  Growing up in a low-resourced community laid the foundation and determination in me to seek prosperity through the power of education, I am motivated to give back to my family, my community, and myself.  Despite my struggles, I honorably became the first of my mixed-status family to attend college and obtain a degree. I am currently the first in my family to have the opportunity to attend graduate school  (High Tech High Graduate School of Education). 

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During my years in college, I was afforded the opportunity to reclaim my identity.  There was an abundance of history, tradition, and struggle that we never touched upon in high school. I was particularly eager to share this knowledge with others because I was in shock and awe that my parents and grandparents had lived through various struggles and movements in our culture, yet I knew little of them, and, I was never taught to be proud of them. This knowledge led me to develop a sense of responsibility to educate my community.

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I see my role as an educator with a passion and responsibility that transcends any job title. My dedication and commitment to always go above and beyond the job requirements are proof of this.

At High Tech High Media Arts, I’ve gained the ability to connect with the community and have devoted much of my free time to support a student organization, such as Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanx de Aztlán (M.E.Ch.A.). In a short time living in San Diego, I have made an effort to integrate myself with the community by joining Project YANO, a grassroots and non-profit organization committed to providing students with educational and social justice alternatives to military service. I have also attended many community events throughout the neighborhoods in which my students live. I am committed to equitably serving a diverse set of students by helping them reclaim their identities.

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