“I substitute teach. The school district has a portal where you can log in and pick your jobs. Every morning the schools post whatever teachers they have out. You kind of never know what you’re going to get. “I try to...
“I was about 9 years old the first time I got to see my father. Well, maybe before that, but I can’t remember because I was too young. I lived with my mom and my siblings in Mexico, and he would...
“I’ve always kind of followed in my older brother’s footsteps. He’s married and in the Army now, stationed at Fort Sill. He’s my biggest hero. “He’s always been there for me. Even as kids when we were being mischievous and stuff,...
“The first time I saw (Colin) Kaepernick taking a knee, I wasn’t offended by it. I felt like he was practicing his freedom of speech. As a soldier that’s one of the things you protect, someone’s right to protest. “I think...
“My roommate has two little dogs that are elderly, but I’ve been wanting one of my own. Once I started looking, I didn’t really see anything that caught my eye. “Then a coworker and I were leaving the Pasadena Animal Shelter,...
“Our school systems are very good at helping and knowing how to educate the middle class and upper middle class. But we struggle with those coming from lower socioeconomic levels. “They often start school with major gaps. Trying to catch them...
“I write short stories, like action and science fiction. I’ve been doing it for about 10 years. I’ve probably written over 30 stories. When I’m writing, I kind of just lose myself in it.” What’s your favorite story? “It’s one I...
“I always knew cosmetology was for me but my parents were like, ‘That’s not really a career. It’s not really something that will get you anywhere.’ But I was like, ‘Dad, you have a sister who has her own beauty salon....
“Public speaking is a huge challenge for me. I get a lot of anxiety from it. To be honest, the pressure kind of crumbles me. “I’m much more comfortable working on computers. I’ve loved computers ever since middle school. It’s interesting...
“Some boys were teasing her, making fun of her, and encouraging her to say things she didn’t want to say. We knew it would probably get worse in junior high than it was in fifth grade. She was very upset about...
