When asking the student body what they are thankful for here on campus at UC High, the same answer seemed to repeatedly pop up: Vice Principal Michael Paredes. “Mr. P. seems to be someone that kids here at UC High respect and appreciate. He’s really approachable and understanding so I think people feel comfortable around him,” said Senior Nicole Garcia.

  Although he may seem intimidating at first, once students start getting to know Paredes they seem to find him easy going and easy to relate to. “The first time I saw Mr. P I thought he looked like an intense security guard or something, but now I honestly think he’s one of the nicest people on campus,” said Senior James Sud. Paredes has a way of making kids feel comfortable, whether it’s with jokes or by just showing genuine interest in kids’ lives. “I like how he’s able to vibe with kids by the way he talks to them instead of just telling them what to do all the time,” said Sud.

  His past experience with teens in high school has helped him to learn to connect and talk to the younger generation.  Parades stated, “Collective experience I think is really important, as well as having diverse experience. I mean I started back in 1999 as a special ed teacher at Lincoln. Then I went to Kearny High and was a football coach, later an ASB advisor and lastly, I taught tenth through twelfth grade history classes. I think all those experiences were really helpful in learning how to relate with students and how to handle them in different ways.”

  Paredes also finds his passion for administration in his own kids as he always makes sure to put his family before everything, “Having kids the same age as you guys [the students at UC High] really helps. I mean I’ve got an eighth grader, a tenth grader, a twelfth grader, and a kid who’s already gone through high school and is in college now. So I think that kind of helps me to stay connected with all of you guys, by always keeping that in mind, that I want to be that educator, administrator, or whatever role I’m in, that I would want for my own kids.”

  However, being the fun, easygoing faculty member is not always what is best for a student. Finding that balance between being a disciplinarian and still being approachable seems to not be a problem for Paredes. “Mr. P is the only administrator I’ve ever had that, even when he has to discipline students, I can still feel his passion for us all and I really do believe he has the best intentions for us,” said Senior Joshua Martinez. Although Paredes agrees it can be difficult, he tries to see it more as an opportunity. “It’s definitely a challenge, but I feel that when you try your best to treat people with dignity, it’s much easier to find that balance. The truth is that students and people will make mistakes — I see these mishaps as an opportunity for learning and growth.”

  “Honestly, Mr. P is the best. He is always interested in all our lives and what we’re involved in at the school,” said Senior Corey Goldenstein. Paredes, being a parent, knows how important it is to stay involved in students’ lives. He always makes time to cheer on the Centurions in any way he can. Junior Ben-Lolly Wilson said, “Mr. Paredes really seems to get really involved in the school. I always seem him at all the sporting events, supporting all our teams and he is always participating in spirit weeks when he gets the chance.”

 One of the best qualities about Paredes is how he makes himself available to students and gives them a safe space to talk. “He is probably one of the better staff members we have had, because personally he has been really influential in helping me get through some personal issues and still writing me a letter of recommendation after all he’s seen me go through; so he’s someone I look up to,” said Goldenstein.

  Parades points out that the best thing you can do for the students at UC High is to make them feel cared about, “It’s central to letting students know you care about them — whether it’s being present during passing periods, lunchtime, in the classrooms, or being in the stands at a game or event. The reality is that you can’t be everywhere, but you can try. The biggest thing I miss about not being a classroom teacher are the relationships that are formed between teacher and students, but being available and connecting with our students and staff brings me joy.”

  Finding joy in these relationships seems to be the only reward Paredes needs, exposing his selflessness and drive. “I enjoy the fact that days can be so unpredictable and that I ultimately determine my outlook and attitude. Good can be found in almost any situation. The most rewarding part of being an administrator is that I play a role in helping to shape the culture of our school.” Parades encourages kids to follow his example and work hard to create that kind of culture. “I hope that it says that my own actions show respect and appreciation for the students at UC. One of my favorite quotes is ‘Be the change that you wish to see in the world’ from Ghandi.”