Candidate for
Board Member; Irvine Unified School District

I was 22 years old when I came to America. I heard people say to me that America was the land of opportunity. My parents told me this, along with my neighbors and my friends. I believed that and I paid serious attention to my school work. I studied very hard, so that I could have some of this "opportunity" that everyone was talking about.

Yes I was challenged. I had "a lot of catching up to do." From the sound of my voice you can tell I had some barriers to overcome. However, I have been able to meet all the challenges and overcome the many obstacles I faced, because in America it is not how you sound, but what you say that really counts.

And, I learned that a good way to have something to say is to get a good education.

I studied at California State University, Fullerton to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems and Computer Science. Next, I obtained a teaching credential from UCLA. Then, I expanded my horizons by earning a Masters Degree in Business (MBA) from Chapman University. I enhanced my abilities by achieving a Leadership Management Certification from the UC San Diego, Raddy School of Business.

I've been a teacher in the classrooms of schools in Orange County and Community College districts. As part of my desire to create "Innovation for Education" I became a coordinator for the local, county and state science fairs.

Because of my involvement in community service I received the 2013 United States' President's Volunteer Service Award.

Today, my wife and I have raised three children who are either attending, or have attended, the schools in Irvine. It is very important to us that our children learn about the opportunities that their education will provide to them. That is one of the reasons why I consider myself a stakeholder in the future of our community's schools.