There are many people that I have met in my life that have impacted me significantly. But, Mr. Aguilar has impacted my life in a way that I will never forget. I met Mr. Aguilar through a close friend, and since then, my perspective on many aspects of life has changed. Mr. Aguilar is a very calm and intellectual person, and as we grew closer we would have mature conversations about life, my sports, and my education. He has helped me fight through adversity whether it was for my sports, family, or schooling. He made everything so clear and easy so I could understand his advice. Mr. Aguilar has helped me through tough times involving my family. He was able to calm me down and was able to get me closer to my faith. This caused me to be more happy and even perform better in school and in all of my sports. He taught me how to deal with my problems and I will be forever grateful for that.

 

During my high school career, I would have many doubts and stress about my sports, especially football and basketball. I was always worried that I would underperform. This would cause me to think and eventually not play to the best of my ability. I would feel down about myself and then I remembered that I always had Mr. Aguilar to fall back on if I needed help. I reached out to him about this and I would ask him to pray for me, as I know that his prayers would be the best possible thing for me. But, he also told me that I should also pray for myself and so I did. I followed that routine for the rest of my football season and had a breakout season after that. I wouldn’t have been possible without Mr. Aguilar. Also, in track and field he was able to help me get a grasp on what I need to do to be successful. I just started track and Mr. Aguilar was able to show me the goals I need to set for myself so I can stay motivated. He gave me great confidence that I can succeed.  Another instance where he was there to help me was when my family was having very bad problems. I was lost at this time and was so angry. I tried to hide and sometimes I would lash out at the people I love and I was having a bad basketball season at this time because of it. Mr. Aguilar paid attention to this and was there to save me from the anger and sadness I had inside of me. He was able to calm me down and get me closer to God. He was able to fill the hole I had in my heart and after that, I even started to play better. I am very grateful to have met this man and I believe God has sent him to do the very thing he had done for me and the many people he has helped. He will always be someone I look up to and will be the person to keep me on the right path at all times.

 

Joey DeCasas

Summa Cum laude 

Notre Dame - Athlete of the year

Track and Field Varsity Team / State top 3 / School Record Holder

Football State Champion

Basketball Varsity 

Member of D1 Track & field program at U of D Mercy

Student of Pre-Medicine at U of D Mercy