Before school

Every day begins for Dr. Caceres at 4:10 AM and that’s a time most people would consider too early, but for him it’s part of the routine that sets the tone for his day. The first thing he does when he wakes up is to make sure his two dogs, who are always hungry for attention are fed and ready for the day that’s coming. These morning moments with his dogs are mostly filled with wagging tails and help him start the day with a sense of calm and purpose.

After attending to his pets Dr. Caceres heads to the kitchen to brew his daily cup of tea. He has always made it a point to stay healthy, and this steaming cup of tea is more than a ritual; self-care for him is something that nurtures his focus and energy for the tasks that lie ahead. Once he has had his tea, he is off to the shower to get ready for the day as most people do, but he does so with a silent confidence that he is ready for whatever the day may bring.

By 5:10 AM, Dr. Caceres is out the door, walking his dogs around the neighborhood. It’s a tranquil time, and the world is still half-asleep; this is what he loves about morning walks-just him, his solitude, and the air. The time spent with his dogs is for quiet reflection, an opportunity to clear his mind and prepare himself for the day ahead. His ever-loyal and ever-playful dogs keep him in good spirits, as they always do, reminding him of the joy and love animals bring to his life.

At the end of the walk, Dr. Caceres drives the 30-minute commute to the school where he works. Normally, this drive gives him an opportunity to mentally get ready for the day, thinking about students and their many different challenges.  Although it’s a long morning routine, he’s become accustomed to it, and the time in his car often serves as a transition for him from the quiet of home to the energy of the school environment.

Inspiration for Becoming a Principal

Dr. Caceres never envisioned himself becoming a principal. As a matter of fact, his route to school administration came through a number of unexpected turns. For years, he was deeply passionate about teaching English: being with students in the room, guiding them to better writing and communicating. It was his students who first urged him to assume a major leadership role. They saw something in him that he hadn’t fully recognized in himself-qualities of a leader, someone who could guide them not just in the classroom but throughout their educational journey.

His own principal saw these same qualities and suggested a program that could help him transition into a role as a school leader. It was a suggestion that he was not expecting but planted the seed of possibility. After much reflection and seeing the impact he could make beyond his classroom, Dr. Caceres decided to pursue the path of becoming an administrator. He started as an assistant principal, working his way up over the years, learning from those around him and observing the work of other principals. It wasn’t until two weeks into his new role that he truly knew this was the career he wanted to pursue.

As the principal, Dr. Caceres found that his job was not just to run the school but to create an environment where students would flourish, where teachers were happy, and where the school could really make a difference in the community. He enjoyed getting to know the students and staff, being able to guide them, and helping them all get better. It was a much bigger responsibility than teaching, but it brought him fulfillment in ways he never expected.

On the Road to Education

Dr. Caceres was 24 when he first started teaching. At such an age, he did not have a clue that someday he would become a principal. Actually, he said being an administrator was something that he never considered at the beginning of his teaching. All he knew then was his love for the classroom to teach English and creative writing. Over the years, however, as he worked with students, his passion for education expanded. By the time he was 32, Dr. Caceres had taken on the role of an assistant principal, and within a short time, he had earned his position as the school’s principal.

Despite his success, Dr. Caceres still holds on to his dream of becoming a college professor one day. He loves teaching and feels that the best way to continue growing as an educator is to remain connected to his love for teaching. Now, even though he is a principal, his heart still belongs in the classroom. He enjoys working with middle school students the most because this is such an exciting time in their lives, when all their potential is limitless and their personalities are just beginning to fully form.

Coping with Hard Situations

Dr. Caceres has a very simple yet effective approach towards dealing with difficult situations: solve the problem. He does not avoid the challenges but rather seeks solutions for them and works with people to overcome obstacles. He also believes in relieving stress in healthy ways, which is why spending time with his dogs is such an important part of his routine. Whether it’s playing fetch or just sitting quietly with them, his dogs help him release the tension that inevitably comes with his high-pressure job.

The Hardest Part of Being a Principal

One of the hardest things that come with being a principal is the constant demand for self-improvement. Challenges are always there, decisions to be made, and new problems to solve. But Dr. Caceres embraces this responsibility. His mantra, which he often shares with others, is simple: “Demand more of yourself. Never give up. Just dream.” These words remind him—and those around him—that no matter how difficult things may get, there is always a way forward.

Looking to the Future

In the future, Dr. Caceres wants to add a technology class to his school’s curriculum. He realizes the world is becoming more and more dependent on technology, and he would like to give his students more resources and knowledge to be successful in the world.

A Message to His 8th Grade Self

If he could go back and say one thing to himself in the 8th grade, it would be, “Don’t give up on being a doctor.” This is kind of that reminder of how big his ambitions were before he became a teacher and later on a school administrator, yet through all these turns his career took, his heart was in service through teaching, leadership, or mentoring.

A Reflection on the Journey

It wasn’t until later in life that Dr. Caceres decided he wanted to become a principal. The road wasn’t easy, but it was fulfilling. Every day, he enters his school, knowing that something he has done will make a difference to the students, staff members, and community. Never having planned to be a principal, he finds himself in the most-loved role ever. His advice to others is simple: “Follow your passion, keep dreaming, and never give up on the possibility of making a difference.”