I’ve always been drawn to creativity – whether it’s performing, teaching, or telling stories, I’ve loved finding different ways to express myself. I also enjoy learning new skills and challenging myself in different ways. That mindset has helped shape who I am today and led me to two of my biggest passions in life.
I started dancing when I was nine years old, and it quickly became a huge part of who I am. I love to practice just about every genre I can find – from hip-hop, jazz, ballet and contemporary – each one has taught me many different things. Dancing helped me build confidence, express emotions and connect with others without having to say a word. Over time, it became more than just something I loved, it became something I wanted to share with others. That’s why I became a dance instructor, a role I’m proud to still have today.
During my junior year of high school, something unexpected happened that opened a whole new door. I was accidentally placed in an AV Production class instead of one related to my original major. I didn’t think much of it at first. I figured I’d just do a couple assignments and wait for my schedule to be adjusted. I had no idea that class would end up changing my life.
Our first assignment was to edit a short video for the Spartan Times, our school’s broadcast channel. This was my first time using any editing software other than just for fun, so I didn’t think much of the project I turned in. But when our teacher played the finished videos in class, he paused when mine came on. He asked me if I had any experience, and I told him no, not really. That’s when everything started to change.
From that moment on, my teacher became one of the most influential people in my journey. He gave me my own segment on Spartan Times, encouraged me to take on interviews both on and off campus, and motivated me to enter in a video competition. He pushed me outside of my comfort zone, and because of that, I grew more confident in my work and my voice.
For my senior year he asked me to be the president of the AV Production class. I took on that leadership role with pride. I directed episodes of the show, helped oversee every class project, and even led our team to the state competition in Corpus Christi. It was one of the most rewarding years of my life.
But what meant the most wasn’t the titles or achievements; it was knowing that someone believed in me before I fully believed in myself. My teacher didn’t just teach me how to shoot and edit. He taught me how to lead, how to tell meaningful stories, and how to believe in my own creative ability. That teacher was Mr. Mungia.
Because of his guidance, I decided to change my major to digital media production. Now, just like with dance, I’ve found something I truly love – another outlet where I can create, inspire, and lay out the path for my future.
Kandice Gutierrez is a contributor at The Prospector may be reached at [email protected].
