To some, he's known as Dean Aguilar and to others, Senor Aguilar. Before this school year, Mr. Aguilar taught the dual language classes in our building. However, he's no stranger to the field of education and all the elements that go along with it. I had the opportunity to pick his brain a bit to learn more about his prominent passion in working with students, alongside some of his own personal quirks that fit this man of stature.
Mrs. Younkin: In the years of working in education, what is your most memorable moment?
Dean Aguilar: I have been fortunate enough to have many great memories during my time as an educator, but my most memorable moments are when I can reconnect with a student years after they have graduated and catch up with what they accomplished in their lives. It's always fun to see what my former students are up to in life.
Mrs. Younkin: What advice can you give students to make the most of their every day?
Dean Aguilar: Meet new people and try new things. As a junior high student, now is the time to take advantage of all the opportunities that school can provide you. Don't be afraid to try something you haven't done before, you never know what you'll like.
Mrs. Younkin: What is one word that sums up your junior high school experience?
Dean Aguilar: Small, I had a very small graduating class of only 13 students. I went to a small school in the suburbs of Chicago, so my experience was very different from the typical junior high student in that sense.
Mrs. Younkin: As the Dean of Keller, what message do you want to see resonate with our student body?
Dean Aguilar: You are taking the first steps into becoming young adults. Part of that is learning responsibilities and owning your decisions. Take time before making a decision and think about how that choice will impact yourself and others.
Mrs. Younkin: As the coach for our Keller Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club last year and as someone who practices this sport personally, can you explain the concept behind it?
Dean Aguilar: The idea of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is that a smaller, weaker opponent can use leverage and technique to defend themself from a bigger and stronger opponent. Your size, athleticism and strength do not matter if you have the knowledge and right technique to defend yourself properly.
Mrs. Younkin: Of all superheros, which one do you wish you could be?
Dean Aguilar: I've always been a fan of Batman because he is an ordinary human with no real super powers. Despite his lack of super powers, he is able to accomplish a lot as a hero. It is a testament to how an ordinary person can have an impact on the world, no matter the challenges.
Mrs. Younkin: What is one wish you have yet to fulfill in your life?
Dean Aguilar: I'd like to travel more, especially to countries where I have traced my family origins, primarily Spain and Portugal.
Mrs. Younkin: How has being a native Spanish speaker benefited you in life?
Dean Aguilar: Being able to speak another language has not only given me opportunities with my career, but has also allowed me to communicate and think in different ways. Knowing another language is great, but many people don't realize that knowing a different language also provides someone with the ability to think about things in different ways. It gives you a different perspective on things that occur in everyday life.
As a school, we are privileged to have Mr. Aguilar oversee the student population. What I have learned in the years working with him is that he is very methodical in the way he approaches every situation. He is able to see the glass as half full and truly works to find the positive in even the toughest predicaments. He knows it's more about the relationships because at the end of the day, everyone deserves a fair chance.