Computer Technology Instructor David Gonzalez Overcomes Physical Obstacles for Volunteer Service
Texas Border Business
Pharr, Texas – Overcoming years of physical barriers, David Gonzalez, a Volunteer Computer Technology Parent Instructor in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo School District, has become an inspiration for his student parents and colleagues at Daniel Ramirez Elementary.
Gonzalez is paraplegic and one of more than 75 volunteer instructors through the PSJA Parental Engagement Department who dedicate time to provide free continuing education classes to PSJA ISD parents.
“It’s on us to help others improve,” said Gonzalez who graduated from PSJA North High School in 2003 and volunteers over six hours a week. “I hope every one of my students learns something from this and uses it in their everyday life.”
According to the 33-year-old, he is determined to not let his condition define him or stop him from giving back to his community. Gonzalez shared that despite being diagnosed at the age of 19 with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a severe form of arthritis that mainly affects the spine, he has continued to remain active through the PSJA Parental Engagement Program and enjoys helping parents continue with their education.
Through the district’s nationally recognized parent program, over 6,000 PSJA ISD parents currently participate in free classes in any of the eight Parent/Community Education Centers throughout the tri-city area. At these centers, parents are able to earn college credit and certifications through partners like South Texas College and the Region One Education Service Center. Courses include ESL, GED, Citizenship, Nutrition Arts & Crafts, Welding, Auto Mechanics and even Security Guard Certifications.
Before he started volunteering, Gonzalez said he was at home just thinking about how different his life would have been had he never received the diagnosis. But suddenly, he came to a realization that he still had something more to give and wanted to positively impact others.
“A life without helping others is a simple life, but a life helping and inspiring others will leave a positive mark,” he said.
Gonzalez first heard about this volunteer opportunity from a friend and figured that his familiarity with technology would be a great addition for the program.
According to the PSJA Parental Engagement Director Olivia Benford, the district is grateful to all the Volunteer Instructors who donate their time to help parents achieve their educational goals. Each year, instructors are awarded certificates as a way to recognize them for their dedication.
Due to the obstacles Gonzalez has had to overcome, Benford shared that he has become an inspiration for many as he embodies what the spirit of PSJA is all about.
“Your limitations are only as big as you want to make them,” said Benford. “Gonzalez is a person who doesn’t let his handicap limit him. He is a great asset for our program, he is here to serve a purpose.”
For PSJA parent Victor Lemus, attending classes with Gonzalez has been inspiring.
“He is very good at teaching,” said Lemus who has been attending the Computer Technology classes since February. “We are not scared of computers anymore. Seeing his motivation for teaching makes us feel that we can achieve anything.”
As a proud PSJA alum, Gonzalez shared that he is grateful for the education he received from PSJA and is happy to give back.
“Now that I am involved with the PSJA district, I can see the opportunities for the community and the parents to get more education,” said the volunteer instructor. “I think it’s really cool that PSJA not only cares for the students but also helps parents improve their lives.”
Looking back at his first year as an instructor for the Parent Engagement program, Gonzalez says he is eager for the upcoming opportunities that the program has to offer and has stated that, along with the continuation of Computer Technology, he will also instruct the Citizenship class come next school year. He is open to instructing many more should the opportunity arise.
