For some reason I get the feeling I’m the only person writing a profile who absolutely DID NOT WANT TO GO TO CATHEDRAL!!! Growing up I, like my sisters before me attended public school and enjoyed it. Then, during my eighth grade year, an article came out in Texas Monthly describing Cathedral as one of the best high schools in the nation. My parents, wanting the best for their son decided I HAD TO GO! No if ands or buts. I protested as best as a 13 year old could and got almost nowhere. I say almost because we reached a compromise. The deal was I would go for one year. If I didn’t like it I could go back to public school with all of my friends.

It was early that first day in August 1992 and I showed up ready to hate the new school and hate it with all I had. What I found was that the classes were tough, the teachers tougher, and the administration……. Well those were the Leo Cancellare years. I fell in love with my new place instantly! I can’t say it was easy. Freshman year I had detention more times than I can count, most of the time because I forgot my belt or had my shirt untucked. What I can say without a doubt, is that being held to a higher standard than what I was used to helped make me who I am today. I learned how to succeed, not only academically, but in life as a whole.

Many of the most important lessons at Cathedral came hidden. Brother Chris, through his daily review sessions taught religion, but also how to keep composed when put on the spot. Mr. Jordan taught English, but more importantly the importance of learning to appreciate life. As a cross country runner I learned the importance of hard work and dedication. Brother Nick through the Lasallian Youth showed me the importance of giving to others and having compassion. I could go on and on about how each of the amazing teachers and coaches shaped my life. By the time I graduated with the class of ’96 I was as well prepared for college as any 18 year old could be.

In the fall of 1996 I moved to Missouri where I studied aviation at Saint Louis University. I continued my studies, my competitive running, and my volunteer work. Cathedral had showed me how to organize and prioritize. Thanks to the lessons I learned in high school, I had an enjoyable, balanced and well-rounded college experience. I was lucky enough to graduate from SLU in 4 years and started working my way up the aviation ladder.

My chosen field, while very rewarding, is one that requires drive and perseverance. The aviation world is the first to suffer and last to recover in economic uncertainty. I was hired by a regional airline on April 9, 2001. Six months and two days later, the world changed forever. I was lucky enough to only find myself unemployed for a short time. Luckily, I took it in stride and got back up. I found several jobs to keep me going until the regional airline called me back. I climbed that ladder for the next several years and finally at the end of 2007 I got hired by a major airline. A few months later, the economic collapse of 2008 changed everything. I once again found myself unemployed. At the time there were close to 10,000 unemployed airline pilots in the US. Having few local prospects I looked for jobs everywhere from Korea to Dubai, to Mexico. Finally settling in Torreon, Mexico where I met my wife.

Things eventually got better, I was recalled by my airline, and my family and I moved back. I currently live in El Paso and commute to Los Angeles, where I’m a pilot for Alaska Airlines. I once again have the best job in the world. I say that while being fully aware that I would not be here without the support of my family, my friends, and my classmates.

“What am I most proud of?”
I am most proud of the network of people that surrounds me. I rest easy knowing that when I fall, there are many hands there to help me get back up. Where I am and what I have is in large part due to the many who are in or have been in my life. I’m happy and proud to admit that.

“What lesson from Cathedral do I carry with me?”
If you show up early and prepared, things will generally fall into place.

“What advice do I have for future Cathedral Graduates?” 
1. When you get knocked down, look around, take a breath, and get back up. It is never as bad as it seems.

2. When you are up, look around and notice your surroundings. There may be someone who just fell and needs your help in getting up.