Red Gold News

Agustin Arias: Let’s find your X

Agustin Arias Jr. is a team player, ready to help with problems. 

Arias has taught since 2005 and teaches AP Calculus,  Algebra, Pre-Cal, and a college math course for future math teachers. 

 Arias did not plan to become a math teacher; he went to school for computer science, where he took several math courses. After graduating college, Arias found it hard to get a job in computer science, leading him to become a substitute.   

“There was an opening, somebody else leaving, and then, you know, I kind of thought, why not?” Arias said. “Let me try it.”  

In addition to being a math teacher, Arias is certified to teach technology applications and computer science. Unknown to many, Arias has a counseling certification. 

“There’s a lot of stuff that people go through, a lot of stuff that we don’t see, and we kind of maybe just take for granted,” Arias said. “We should be more empathetic and understand others.”

While Arias is not a counselor, he was interested in becoming a full-time counselor at some point but did not pursue it, though he believes it helps when it comes to teaching. 

“I think it does help you become a little bit more empathetic and understanding toward other people and more patient,” Arias said. “It felt good to make a difference when you talk to somebody and see that they’re learning and feeling better about themselves.”

Senior Joemy Salazar said that Arias has such a good vibe and can relate to students because he has been in the same position and knows what students are going through.  

Arias likes to think he has impacted his students, especially those who stay connected after graduation. 

“A lot of time, you can tell by how they treat you,” Arias said. “You’re not gonna connect with everybody, right, but I feel like I have.” 

Senior Francisca Ortiz said that Arias is trustworthy, so she and other seniors know that if they have a concern or need someone to talk to, Arias is one of the teachers they could attend.

Mila Obnial has accomplished a lot throughout her career, from electrical engineering to teaching dual enrollment mathematics.

“My education includes two master’s, one in business administration and one in mathematics teaching, as well as a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering,” Obnial said.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Obnial was determined to pursue a promising career, so she came to the United States. She studied at UTPA, now known as the University of The Rio Grande Valley, UTRGV, and earned multiple degrees through the years. 

“For ten years after I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I worked as an engineer during the daytime while I passionately taught Mathematics at the College of Engineering in the evenings and weekends,” Obnial said.  

Over the years, Obnial realized she was much more passionate about teaching Mathematics than being an electrical engineer. So, she decided to go back to school and get her master’s degree to become a teacher. 

“Once I graduated with my master’s, I began to work with La Joya ISD in 2006 and became a Dual enrollment teacher for South Texas College at Jimmy Carter in 2011,” Obnial said.

Since then, Obnial has been a proud RedWolf teacher at JCECHS and continues to teach her students.

The Texas Association of Future Educators is an official Texas state co-curricular student organization recruiting members. TAFE was established in 1984 to help promote teaching to young students.

“TAFE is an organization that strives for people to be educated in certain topics” Audrey Brown, the president of TAFE, said. “Students learn basic things needed in the workforce and college.”

The TAFE organization has been divided into two different chapters: TAFE Gold and Red

“The two chapters were established last year after many freshman members joined,” Brown said.

The two groups have no differences in the type of events they participate in other than the members.

“TAFE Gold is composed more of upperclassmen and experienced members, while TAFE Red is composed of underclassmen, which are mostly sophomores and a few freshmen,” Brown said.

“TAFE events are centered on its core beliefs called TRAFLES,” Brown said.

TRAFLES stands for teaching, recreation, apprehension, fundraising, leadership, education, and service. Some events can vary from creating a children’s book from scratch to hosting a demo TAFE meeting.

The only requirement needed to compete in TAFE’s events is passing grades. There are no requirements to join TAFE.

Hispanic Heritage Month Kick0off: Students Show Cultural Pride

Part of the Pack: Ivan Sifuentes

High school senior Ivan Sifuentes plays football for La Joya High School while also attending Jimmy Carter Early College High School to complete his high school education while pursuing an associate’s degree. 

He maintains a high-grade point average every six weeks and stays motivated through all his troubles. He has had to overcome many hurdles to get where he is now.

“Football motivates me to pass and keep my grades high so I can play on Friday. Without football, my grades or discipline wouldn’t be where they are today,” Sifuentes said. 

Sifuentes embraces a unique approach and demonstrates that while nothing comes easy, anything is achievable with the right motivation. Unlike most athletes who avoid acknowledging their mistakes and maintain an aura of perfection, Sifuentes stands out.

“I sacrificed a better-winning team with better coaches and overall mentality among all the players,” Sifuentes said.

He had to decide whether to stay in football at PHS or solely at JCEC, as the commute from Palmview High School to Jimmy Carter is long. Sifuentes’ family didn’t want him to take that drive as he had only been driving for a year. He also didn’t want to leave football as it kept his body and mind healthy.

“I stay in football not so much to win anymore but to stay fit and healthy while doing what I must do for myself,” Sifuentes said.

Keeping his body fit and healthy is a priority for Sifuentes because he doesn’t want to “let himself go,” Sifuentes said.

Sifuentes ultimately chose to transfer from PHS to La Joya to play football. Even though it has cost him the joy of victory, he remains focused on the work.

“Being in football has always motivated me to pass my classes,” Sifuentes said.

Playing football has helped Sifuentes stay on top of his classes while still being physically fit and mentally healthy.

While he still has trouble “getting bad feedback after games,” Sifuentes said.

Sifuentes says he still puts in his hundred percent and is focused on molding himself into the best RedWolf, Coyote, and young man that he can be.