When you envision a teacher, you may envision someone who is strict and unapproachable, or perhaps someone who doesn’t effectively help students learn. History teacher Ricardo Anguiano is none of those things. He is a dedicated educator who goes above and beyond to ensure his students not only succeed but thrive.

From teaching classes and running marathons to managing his own club, Anguiano takes on many roles. Teachers enter the teaching profession because they want to inspire and help the future generation, and Anguiano is no different from that.

Anguiano teaches history because of the passion he has for the subject and his desire to have his students succeed.

“I want to make a difference in people’s lives, and as a teacher, I have the opportunity to do that through teaching the students the skills that they need in order to be successful, and just passing down my love for history as well,” Anguiano said.

In addition to his classroom responsibilities, Anguiano also leads a club that prepares students for a career in law.

“One of the clubs that I run is called Mock Trial, and basically it’s for people who are looking to go into the law profession. We study how the court system works, and we also hold a mock trial where we pretend to be like lawyers’ witnesses,” Anguiano said.

While Anguiano is deeply committed to his job as an educator, his journey has been shaped by his strongest supporters, his parents.

“I think what inspired me the most was my parents, mainly because they always encouraged me to keep going and, you know, to try to better myself as a person and also and academics as well, you know, so a lot of the things I do, it’s because of them,” Anguiano said.

Although his upbringing as a teacher began with his parents, his love for history was sparked by someone else.

“What got me into the subject was my high school teacher. She was teaching well and she just made me enjoy history a lot because she made it fun,” Anguiano said.

When offering advice to students facing challenges, Anguiano highlighted the importance of perseverance.

“The advice that I would give is basically just keep going. At times, things are hard, you know, and difficult. But you can accomplish anything that you set your mind to. It’s just about moving forward,” Anguiano said.

Anguiano’s dedication to his students and his subject showcases the impact a passionate educator can have. By helping students in history and offering practical skills through his Mock Trial club, he not only educates but inspires his students.