The love of making a difference in students’ lives and guiding them to become successful stands out for Senovio Canales, Vice Principal of Jimmy Carter Early College High School. He has 31 years of experience in the education field, which he never intended to follow.
“I was originally going to attend medical school and become a trauma surgeon. Before, the school district had a program where if you were an assistant of a medical professional, they would pay for you to go to school, “ Canales said. “ It only mattered if you were attending college, and they would pay for two classes for a semester. You would enroll, pay for the class, and at the end of the semester you would give them your report card, and they would reimburse you for the cost of the class.”
Canales unexpectedly saw an opportunity in education. He had fallen in love with education and the ability to help students further nurture their growth and ability to learn.
“It is quite different working in a small campus because you’re the only one. Unlike the comprehensive high schools, they used to have 8 or 9 assistant principals. You have a big team where everyone does a certain thing, and you are able to split the duties.” Canales said.
The environment proved to be a challenge for Canales.
“Jimmy Carter is different from all of the schools because of the uniqueness and the students. It is not like a regular high school, we have dual enrollment, AP classes, and we try to provide a lot of opportunities for the students to give them the whole high school experience. If you want something to happen, we will try to make it happen as much as possible.” he said.
Canales wants the students to have a traditional high school experience, while attending Jimmy Carter. Despite his passion for his role as vice principal, Canales acknowledges there are challenges in his profession.
“The part I’m not as happy about is that I’m the only one, so we have so much testing now that it takes up a lot of my time. I don’t have as much opportunity to, as I would like to, to be in the classrooms and engage with the students.” said Canales.
Canales is frustrated by the limited opportunities to connect with students and build relationships.
“ I have been a pastor for 23 years, I have my own church, which I started in 2015 back in my house. God is something I am totally passionate about, telling people about Jesus and how he saved us.” Canales said.
Canales has a deep profound passion for spreading the word of God and is a pastor.
“Universities tend to look at your involvement in any extracurricular activities. Even though you are really smart, the university thinks this student is going to be successful with us.” Canales said. “They all are looking at your community service and hours. It is going to help you look good, but two it’s going to prepare you for what you really are going to face.”
