Age: 62

Profession and title: I am currently the sixth-grade GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) instructor with the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District, where I am in my 30th year of teaching.

In addition to my classroom work, I am in my 24th season as the host and executive producer of “Do the Math,” an educational television program provided by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office that supports mathematics instruction for students and teachers throughout the county.

I have also served for more than 20 years as the public address announcer for CSUB athletics.

Community involvement: While our children were young, I volunteered with the Gleaners for several years, an experience that helped reinforce the importance of giving back and supporting those in need. More recently, I have served as a reader at our church for more than 25 years, a role that allows me to contribute in a meaningful and reflective way. In addition to my own service, I continue to support my family’s volunteer efforts.

Immediate family: I have been married to my wife, Maggie, for 34 years. Together, we have two adult children. Our son, Mickey, is 30 years old and is married to his wife, Alejandra, and they have a son, Adrian. Our daughter, Mackenzie, is 28 years old.

How would you describe yourself in five words?

Dedicated, creative, adaptable, faithful and, above all, appreciative.

How long have you lived in Bakersfield? If you are not from here, what brought you to town?

I moved to Bakersfield in 1990 with nothing more than a backpack and a one-way, midnight train ticket from New York, coming west to work for a radio station. Not long after I arrived, people began to take notice of my East Coast accent, especially the way I pronounced words like coffee, dog, water and corner. What initially set me apart eventually became part of my identity here.

At first, Bakersfield was not what I had imagined. However, over the years, I have been given opportunities that I never could have anticipated, both professionally and personally. Through those experiences, I built meaningful connections, found a strong sense of community, and ultimately made Bakersfield my home.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I believe in doing your very best at whatever it is you choose to do. If you are not willing to give something your full effort, then it’s worth asking yourself whether it is truly worth doing at all. The work you commit to should have meaning and purpose for you, not simply be something you are doing to satisfy the expectations of others.

I also believe that growth rarely comes without challenge. Not everything in life is easy, and if there is something you genuinely want, there will be moments of struggle. Those challenges are not obstacles to success — they are the very things that help shape us, push us, and make us better versions of ourselves.

What is your proudest achievement of your career?

My proudest achievement is the longevity and consistency of my work. Being able to remain relevant, effective and passionate after 30 years in education is something I take great pride in. The relationships I’ve built, the trust I’ve earned, and the opportunities I’ve been given to serve students and the community over time represent a career built on purpose, adaptability and commitment.

What advice do you offer to a younger generation?

I would say to live experiences now. Great things happen when inspiration silences excuses. There is no “perfect time” to do or wait for something. You need to make it happen, whatever it might be. There could be a hidden talent you have, but you’ll never know unless you make the first move. Don’t wait.

What is your favorite quote?

“Always look on the bright side of life …” courtesy of Eric Idle from Monty Python.

What else would you like to share about your life?

One of the things I am most proud of in my life is being a good father. I have always tried to guide our children in becoming the best versions of themselves and in pursuing what truly matters to them, both personally and professionally. More than achievements or titles, I value the kind of people they have become. Mickey and Mackenzie are well-respected, caring and generous members of our community, and seeing the positive impact they have on others is rewarding.

Having my wife, Maggie, by my side for the past 35 years has made all the difference. Together, we have been blessed with the opportunity to raise our family in Bakersfield — a community that has supported us, shaped us and truly become our home.