Trinidad Avila

2023 "Pass the Torch" Scholarship Finalist

“If it wasn’t for that man, Mr. Fredericksen, that stepped in the way he did and provided me all these tools and resources ... I would have failed all my classes. But because of him I learned how to be a listener. I learned how to be an advocate.”

Trinidad Avila experienced a major setback when he lost a key parental figure in his life. All at once he found himself laden with extra responsibilities, supporting his grieving mother and helping his younger brother with his schoolwork. This inevitably took a toll, with Trinidad struggling to focus on his homework and experiencing severe test anxiety at school. Luckily his English and Psychology teacher, Mr. Fredericksen, noticed and was there to advocate for him. Now, as he prepares to teach alongside his former teacher at his old school, Trinidad is determined to be a champion for his students, just like Mr. Fredericksen was for him.

Here is Trinidad's story about Mr. Fredericksen, the teacher who inspired him.

Want to hear the stories of the other nine finalists? Visit our 2023 Scholarship Finalists page.

Thinking of applying to this year's program? Learn more on our Teachers Test Prep "Pass the Torch" Teacher Scholarships page.