“[We] came across a fresh kill where there were some lions [that] had just attacked a wildebeest and they were just ripping everything apart […] we could smell the flesh and hear the bones cracking,” recalls Mr. Dominguez. He believes in the importance of having “traveling experiences whether it's alone or with some friends [...] especially if it can be in another country. The cultures are so different, you learn so much about yourself, you have to adapt. Sometimes it's scary, but it's also exciting. I think [you learn] so much about yourself when you're out of your comfort zone.”
At school, his job as a counselor demands that he deal with all aspects of the student experience. “[I’m here] to support and guide students academically, socially, emotionally. [I’m] kind of a problem solver of any kind.” He also works with parents and teachers: “Parents always have a lot of questions. Not only for college but high school graduation, careers, a lot of things like that. Teachers might have a student with a possible learning disability, or emotional concern, or academic concern. So I work with teachers to help the student[s].”
Mr. Dominguez grew up and currently lives in the city of Montebello. “I think we moved there when I was two years old, and I lived there for most of my life. Moved out for a few years. And [now] I ended up buying a house across the street and two houses down from where I grew up.” While attending UCLA he worked at summer day camps, daycares, and with students as a teacher’s assistant. “At that time, there was a teacher shortage. So they were giving out emergency credentials to [college-aged] students who had experience [instructing and teaching younger] students. So right out of my bachelor's degree, I got a job working for LA Unified at Evergreen Elementary School for the next two to three years.” To get his full teaching credential, he attended night classes at Cal State LA. “Once I got my credential as a teacher, I went back and got my master's degree for counseling.”
Besides working with students, Mr. Dominguez is passionate about cycling, which he does regularly. “I mostly ride on the bike paths along the riverbed. It's the safest. I put in a lot of miles. I'm an introvert, so I love reading, and when I'm on the bike, I listen to [audiobooks] and I can get into the story and just go forever.” He is also an expert in red wine tasting, a hobby he shares with his wife. “Last summer we did a trip through France, and we did some wine tasting throughout the countryside which was amazing.” Next summer he has plans to spend two weeks exploring the Icelandic countryside.
Mr. Dominguez told me that he loves what he does, and it shows. He’s a warm, down-to-earth person who clearly cares deeply about having a positive impact on our school community, and through his travels, the world.
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