Eduardo Vargas has been a pillar in the education of generations of children in Princeton, Texas, where he has worked as a kindergarten teacher for the past 27 years. He was born 52 years ago in Mérida, Yucatán, and completed his secondary education at an American school. At age 19, he obtained a scholarship to study at East Texas Baptist University, thanks to his musical talent, which allowed him to collaborate with a local church. Although Vargas graduated in administration and worked for a year in a department store, his wife, also a teacher, encouraged him to apply for a position as a bilingual teacher. Since then, he has dedicated his life to teaching.
When he talks about his work, his voice transforms, revealing the passion he feels for what he does. “I enjoy every moment and love seeing my students’ progress,” she enthuses. For Vargas, it is essential that his students develop a winning mentality that allows them to excel, and he strives to provide them with the necessary tools to continue their studies successfully.
In the November 5 elections, Vargas will vote for Donald Trump, as he did in 2016 and 2020. He assures that he was satisfied with the four years of Trump’s government and highlights his good handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and compliance with his campaign promises. Vargas feels that the Trump administration brought economic benefits and opportunities for families, which has influenced her decision to support him again.
Ask.Have you decided your vote for November 5?
Answer.Clear! I’m going to vote for Trump.
Q.What has been the biggest factor in your decision?
R.Donald Trump was already president, and I think he did a good job. We citizens were able to compare his presidency with the eight years of Barack Obama. As an elementary school teacher, I personally suffered during that period. There was no progress or real salary increases. Any increase in salary was absorbed by the increase in health insurance costs and other expenses, forcing me to look for a second job to make ends meet. The promises that were made at that time never materialized.
When Trump came to the White House, it was the complete opposite. Companies began to give bonuses to their employees, salaries increased, and economic growth was noted in schools. For this reason, Donald Trump has my vote.
Q. If you had Donald Trump in front of you, what would you say to him?
R. I would tell him that we need to improve the economic situation in the United States. In the last three years, everything has gone up in price. When we go to the supermarket, everything is very expensive and buying a house has become unattainable for many families. In fact, I have my son, his wife, and my granddaughters living at home with us because they can’t afford to rent an apartment. If Trump returns to the presidency, I hope he prioritizes economic growth and that families can once again have opportunities to prosper, because the current situation is unsustainable.
Q.What if it was Harris in front of me?
R.I would ask him why he hasn’t fulfilled the campaign promises he made in 2020 about improving the country. As vice president, she has had four years in government, but we have not seen the results she promised.
Q. What does it mean to you to be Latino in this country?
R.At first, being Latino is like rowing against the current. Many Americans think that Mexicans only cross the border to work on the roads or in the fields, and forget that there are also educated and well-prepared Mexicans. I came to this country with the intention of studying, progressing and contributing the best possible. In college, I met my wife, who is American, and together we have built a life in which I have been able to demonstrate my abilities in every job I have had. Throughout my career, I have been recognized multiple times as Teacher of the Year in my district, reflecting not only my dedication and effort, but also my commitment to the education and well-being of my students.
Q.What do you prefer, theEnglish, Spanish or spanglish?
R.My first language is Spanish, and most of my family can communicate in both languages. My wife and children learned Spanish and speak it perfectly, which makes me proud. However, in our daily lives, we mainly communicate in English, as it is the predominant language in our environment. At work, my co-workers and I, who are bilingual, speak Spanish to each other but when we are in front of English-speaking people, we switch to English to facilitate communication.
Q.Have you been a victim of prejudice or racism?
R.No. As I mentioned before, I came to this country with a different mentality. I came prepared and educated, which I think has made a big difference in how others perceive me. I also make an effort to take care of my presentation and the way I dress, since I have always believed that first impressions are important. I have been fortunate to work in predominantly American environments, and have always received their respect.
Q. What do you like about the United States?
R.I love the opportunities that can be found in this country. One of the reasons my wife and I decided to stay here instead of living in Mexico is the possibility of building a life faster and purchasing a home close to our work. I have observed this process closely with my own brothers in Yucatán and I have seen that in Mexico, after so many years of effort, they must wait 10 to 15 years in a company to be able to obtain a loan. On the other hand, here, if you have a history of good payments, in just two years you can apply for a loan and buy your first home. This is just one example of the opportunities that a person can take advantage of in the United States if they prepare and work hard to achieve their goals.
Q. What would you change?
R.I believe that the international aid that the United States provides to other countries should be invested in the American population. Billions of dollars are spent on economic assistance to various nations, while we face critical situations here. Florida recently suffered two hurricanes, and the aid people receive is barely enough to cover their needs. Yet we continue to send millions and millions of dollars to other countries instead of prioritizing citizens who need help.
Q. How do you imagine yourself in 10 years?
R.In 10 years, I will be over 60 (laughs). I would like to be retired, enjoying my pension and spending time with my granddaughters. By then, my 10-year-old daughter will be 20, and I hope to be able to watch her study at university, if she decides to follow that path. Family has always been my core, so I would also like to continue supporting my four children in everything they need.
