Jose Zeferino Amador

Age: 17

Parents: Jose Zeferino Amador and Flor Gonzalaez Morales

Where are you from?

Albert Lea, but lived in Mexico for awhile.

If from Albert Lea, which elementary school did you attend?

Halverson.

Favorite teacher of all time and why?

Jim Haney. I have a lot of respect for Mr. Haney because he motivates me to become a teacher. He always makes it a great environment.

Favorite book/author:

Author Rick Riordan.

Current/past activities, volunteer work and accomplishments:

Mower County Progressive Ag Safety volunteer, Link Crew, Spanish Club, basketball, R Step Academy graduate, work at Qdoba, Science Fair judge, Sigma Nu.

What do you want to do after high school?

Either attend Mankato State University or Winona State University for secondary education in social studies, and following that come back to Albert Lea and teach like Mr. Haney.

What advice would you give to younger students in Albert Lea?

As a son of immigrants — they were unfortunate and did not have an education like I do. The mentality my parents gave me is that you work hard to achieve your goals. Every step of the way there will be challenges. Great people come along to pick you up. I am blessed to have been brought to Albert Lea and thankful for  the community for creating nothing but great and positive outcomes. Great things come to those who work for it. I hope to inspire and have a chain reaction to my fellow peers at school one step at a time.