I graduated from Cathedral in 2008. During my time as a student I focused on a variety of extracurricular activities such as starting a Film Club that focused on cinematic theory and practice where as aspiring filmmakers we could study film and its effects while applying what we learned to create a series of commercials and short documentaries for the school. I also created a Mixed Martial Arts Club that centered on fitness, self-defense, and philosophy – our goal was to promote the practicality and effectiveness of martial arts in the real world within all three facets.

While I operated these clubs I also assisted in co-founding another club called Unite For Sight with my classmate, Matthew Duran. I played rugby its first active year and was a member of National Honor Society. My senior year I was student council president and class president.

Cathedral actually wasn’t my first choice for high school. As a kid I was very intrigued by the thought of attending Cathedral but by the time 8th grade rolled around my thoughts had changed entirely. I was under the impression that I was going to attend a public high school but my mother took me to the placement exams and all of a sudden I was a Cathedral student. When I look back I believe my mother wanted the best for me and she wanted to make sure I got it through Cathedral.

When I reflect on my time at Cathedral I cherish the brotherhood – this is what I miss the most about Cathedral, the ability to find the brotherly bond you create with all your classmates. There’s usually a moment where the Brotherhood finally hits you and all the lights in your head go on and your reaction is, “Ah, that’s it. Now I get it.” You become fully aware/self-aware. I miss our everyday struggle of how we got by – I still wonder to this day, how did we do it?

After I graduated Cathedral I attended Columbia College Hollywood in Los Angeles, California where I got my BFA in Directing and Cinema Studies in 2012. I now reside in Los Angeles, California where I am a director for Super Deluxe, a digital network launched by Time Warner that makes web series, music videos and experimental comedy as well as produces film and TV. My position requires me to lead a production from development to completion and I attribute that ability and success to my time at Cathedral in the classrooms. That’s where the discipline began.

“What are you proudest of?”
Mr. Sam Govea, the Principal during my time at Cathedral, assigned me with the task to create a welcome video for Cathedral to be shown at the regional convention for private or LaSallian schools in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I created a minute and a half video that encompassed life at Cathedral titled, I Am Cathedral, which received a standing ovation and many compliments from other Principals and  regional members. This was my proudest moment because I believe this is when Mr. Govea and the school took me serious as a filmmaker.

“What lesson from Cathedral do you carry with you?”
There were many lessons that Cathedral passed on but the lesson I’ve carried throughout my life and career is to work hard and never forget where you came from. Be honest. Stay humble.

“Do you have a message (lesson/observation) for a current Cathedral student?”
By the time you know it your time at Cathedral High School will come to a close and if you never took the time to have a little fun or to talk to the quiet kid in the back or go to a game or cheer with the Zoo or try out for the team or start a club or audition for the fall play- just like that, it’s gone. Cathedral will always be there but the memory is whats most important.