TEACHER OF THE MONTH: FERNANDO CEPEDA
WHAT DO YOU DO, AND HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF? I am Fernando Cepeda, and I am a full-time teacher. I teach engineering, robotics, and Spanish at Harmony Science Academy Dallas High. I am a robotics coach for FTC teams #7904 and #12207, as well as for FRC #3282, known as the Dallas Robo Tigers. I am also the founder and sponsor for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Jr. (SHPE Jr.) in our school, and I am part of our discipline committee. I would describe myself as energetic, committed, down-to- earth, inspiring, family-oriented, ready to make things happen, and real. TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR JOB. When did you realize you wanted to become a teacher? I originally wanted to become an electrical engineer and work for an engineering company, but then I saw a big problem: Minorities in the U.S. were not graduating from college. Many were graduating from high school but not universities, so I thought I could do something about it. I began to teach and share my passion for engineering with my students, always using my personal experiences without sugarcoating anything. Many students listen, but others look the other way. I am trying my best to encourage our youth to become better versions of themselves. What inspired you to take on this career? Teaching was my plan B, but once I began doing it, I fell in love with it. I know as an engineer, I could probably double my salary, but teaching does not feel like a job. I am certainly not doing it for the money. What I get every month is enough to have a roof, a meal,
and take care of my daughter and see her grow. The field is full of rewarding experiences. Kids are phenomenal and intriguing, and I am always looking for better ways to teach and include diversity in my classes. I am constantly learning something new. What is your proudest or favorite moment? My favorite moment is when I get a call, email, text, Facebook message, or Instagram message from one of my alumni graduating from a four- year university. That feeling of accomplishment and knowing I helped someone reach their goal does not compare to anything else. WHAT’S YOUR DEGREE IN, AND WHAT SCHOOL DID YOU GO TO? I’ve been everywhere. I have a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Dallas and a bachelor’s in modern languages (Spanish literature) from the University of Texas at Arlington, where I am also working on a professional translator certificate. I have a few degrees from Mountain View College: an associate in electronics, an associate in arts/science, and a technical electronic certificate. Pretty soon I will have a master’s in Spanish literature, culture, and teaching from the University of Granada in Spain, and I have also studied at the University of Liverpool in England. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. Do you have any kids? I have a beautiful princess. She is 6 years old and is my world. What does your daughter enjoy doing, or what is she involved in? My daughter is about to graduate from kindergarten and will be going into the first
grade. She has been active in sports and is part of soccer and basketball teams. She is also in dance class and likes to play chess. WHAT DO YOU HAVE ENVISIONED FOR YOURSELF FIVE YEARS DOWN THE ROAD? I don’t really plan much. I enjoy every minute life has to offer, so I don’t tend to think ahead of time. In five years, I’ll probably still be teaching engineering, since I enjoy it, and I will probably do another degree in curriculum or get a principal certification. Maybe I’ll become a principal, even though I enjoy teaching a lot. IN WHAT OTHER WAYS DO YOU GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY? I often take my robotics teams to libraries to share our robotics and automation practices with kids in the community. I also do small projects with SHPE Jr. to clean parts of our city. I am usually involved with our programs, such as PTO, banquets, celebrations, and more, where I actively participate as a host and sometimes sing Mexican music. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO FOR FUN? I like to sketch, paint, play the guitar, do photography, collect coins, and spend time with my family. DO YOU TRAVEL? WHERE WAS THE LAST PLACE YOU VISITED? I love to travel, and I have been to many different places. The last place was Spain, and before that, I went to Italy and Germany. I have also been to Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, and Mexico.
2
www.buttonlawfirm.com
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker