Reliable, educated, and committed to steady work and long term stability…
Guided by my faith in Yeshuah (Jesus) the Messiah (Christ), and focused on showing up consistently,
learning quickly, and contributing wherever I am needed
My name is Eric Protas, I live in Santa Maria, California, and I am actively seeking steady work where reliability, consistency, and accountability matter. I bring a strong academic background, many years of real world experience, and a clear commitment to structure and follow through. I understand the importance of showing up on time, communicating clearly, and doing what I say I will do. My faith in Yeshuah is the foundation of how I live, how I work, and how I treat people, and it shapes my purpose, my priorities, and my sense of responsibility. At this stage of my life, my focus is simple, maintain stable employment, support my responsibilities, and keep building a solid and dependable track record that employers can trust.
My work history includes teaching, mentoring, office support, customer service, program leadership, and small business ownership, and I am very comfortable stepping into entry level roles where I can learn systems and contribute right away. I spent five years as a Peer Literacy Mentor, designing lesson plans, tutoring one on one, leading small groups, and keeping accurate records, which required patience, professionalism, and consistent follow through. Before that, I owned and operated a martial arts school for over thirteen years, managing day to day operations, finances, customer relationships, staff, and curriculum, which taught me responsibility, problem solving, and how to keep things running even under pressure. I have also worked as a teacher’s assistant, clerical and reception staff, records clerk, cashier, and back stock support, so I understand both front line and behind the scenes work. Across all of these roles, the common thread is that I show up, I learn the job, I respect the people I work with, and I take my responsibilities seriously.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and English from Adams State University with a 4.0 grade point average, and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from San Diego State University. I have also completed multiple associate degrees through Coastline Community College and Palo Verde Community College in areas such as social and behavioral sciences, science and math, business, arts and humanities, sociology, American studies, and alcohol and drug studies. My training includes peer literacy mentoring, developmental learning theories, motivational interviewing, criminal thinking analysis, and literacy tutoring. I am certified in Microsoft Word and Excel and have completed computer literacy training. This combination of education and skills means I can read and follow detailed instructions, handle documentation, learn new software, and adapt to different work environments with structure and care.
My daily life is built around routines that keep me steady, clear, and dependable. I maintain regular fitness and training, use my bike for transportation and mobility, and keep my living space organized and minimalist so I can focus on what matters. I prepare my own nutritious meals, pay attention to my health, and use reading and writing as ongoing tools for reflection and growth. For many years I have been deeply involved in recovery and self help programs, including facilitating groups such as The Work, CoDependents Anonymous, and Houses of Healing, where I have supported others in building accountability, emotional awareness, and better decision making. My faith in Yeshuah is central in this, it calls me to live with integrity, to own my choices, to make amends where needed, and to align my actions with my values day after day, not just in words but in consistent behavior.
Right now, my priority is focused and clear, secure and maintain stable employment, support my housing and responsibilities, and keep building a work history that reflects who I am today. I am open to full time, part time, seasonal, or temporary roles, especially in environments where reliability, attention to detail, and steady effort are valued. Over time, I want my name to be associated with consistency, trustworthiness, and contribution, not just in one job but across years of work. I bring maturity, lived experience, and a strong desire to move forward, and I am ready to commit to an employer who values someone who shows up, learns, and keeps going, even when things are difficult. My faith, my routines, and my history of service and mentoring all point in the same direction, a stable, responsible, long term path.