Anyone who talks to Pete feels an immediate connection to him. He has this incredible way of making you feel seen and heard when you're in his presence. Perhaps it is the South Bay upbringing, his Native American background, or a combination of the two.

While growing up, Pete's education took him the route of graduating high school from the
Learning Center. It was at the Learning Center where he was influenced greatly by one of the
teachers. When he spoke of her, he warmly said, "she believed in me and inspired me to become
a teacher." After graduation, Pete went on to Southwestern, then San Diego State (GO AZTECS!),
and later completed his graduate degree and admin credential through Point Loma Nazarene.
Pete's journey to the admin world was by of a substitute IHCA, an IA, a Campus Assistant, a
math teacher, an SDC RSP teacher, an ED teacher, an Attendance Coordinator and Athletic
Director at a middle school, and now serves the school and community of National City as an
Assistant Principal at Sweetwater High School; the school his mother graduated from!

After Pete gave me his work background, he followed it up with, "I never turn down work. I
always take on new challenges because I want to keep on learning. When I don't know
something, I dig deep, and keep going." I asked Pete about his recent move to Sweetwater High
School from Hilltop High School and he told me, "You're never ready for a change until it
happens. I'm grateful. I know I'm in the right place."

As Pete and I sat in his office, our interview felt more like a conversation with a long-time
friend. We talked about life, work, and our values. I learned about Pete's Native American
culture and how important his faith and practices are within his culture. He spoke with humility
and love while telling me about the Pow-Wows he participates in, the grounding he feels after
sitting in his sweat lodge, and how his entire educational practices aren't practices at all; they
are a way of life

Pete is known around Sweetwater as one of the people who has mastered the art of Restorative
Practices. While Pete is entirely too humble to agree with anyone who says this about him, what
he taught me is that RP is all tied back to his Native teachings. The way that Native people
gathered and sat in circles, and together made decisions, repaired harm, and restored
relationships, is all a part of Native life. Pete using his way of life to help and influence those
around him.

As much as Pete loves the work he does at Sweetwater High School, he disconnects from school
as often as possible. Pete is a family man; a wife, two kids, and nine animals are what he calls,
"My Life. And I love My Life"

Much like Pete, I knew I was in the right place the day of our interview. I left feeling a sense of
calm and belonging. I felt happy to have spent time with one of my colleagues that I can now
call Friend.

Written by: Jessica Neamon AASU Assistant Principal Representative