College : UC Berkeley Career Goal : Fresno High School Teacher
About Daniel : If you meet Daniel Ruiz now , you may be surprised this talkative young man didn ’ t speak until he was 4 . Now , his mother jokes that , “ the problem was getting him to talk , now it ’ s getting him to be quiet .” His communication skills are something Daniel will no doubt be tapping into when he achieves his career goal of becoming a teacher .
Daniel ’ s family faced financial difficulties while he was growing up . As a result , he has already had to move six times and has never been able to stay in a home for more than three years . But the hardship didn ’ t defeat Daniel . Instead , he believes it showed him , “ how important it is to work harder than everyone else .” So , throughout his high school years , Daniel did exactly that .
He excelled academically , and played water polo and swam for all four years . During this time several teachers made a big impression on him through engaging lectures and having a “ flare ” for explanations .
If things go according to plan , Daniel will go full circle , from an inspired student to the one standing at the front of the class of his alma mater . He said his teachers made him feel connected to the lessons , and that ’ s something he wants to pay forward .
In his words : “ Something that motivates me is my mindset of never stopping until you ’ re done . Regardless of how I feel on any day I still get up and go 100 %.”
From history teacher Richard Ochs : “ Daniel Ruiz is the type of student who reminds me every day why teaching is the greatest profession in the world . His enthusiasm and love of learning is infectious .”
June 5 , 2023 / Save Mart Center
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