It is not every day that a high school’s Academy of Finance coordinator decides to pass the mantle to another teacher. With Ms. Hernandez stepping down, Mr. Diaz, in his first year of becoming an accounting teacher, stepped up to take the new position. This transition sparked a sense of anticipation among Cavaliers while they look forward to what will be in store for the upcoming events and new ideas Mr. Diaz will execute.
The administration team at Coral Gables Senior High recognized that Mr. Diaz had checked off many of the qualification requirements to obtain such a role. Mr. Diaz embraced this opportunity to bring in the changes he felt that he lacked during his time in high school. His professionalism and passion for education made him the choice to lead AOF.
From the start, business has revolved around Mr. Diaz’s world. He recognized that many students miss out on the many opportunities available at conferences and events, sometimes just because they lack awareness and guidance. By seizing this role, Mr. Diaz aims to bridge the gap between those who lack experience and those who do not, provide support and help with the mentorship that some Cavaliers need.
“Many people say that I am a very likable person and that students like me. I feel like it’s because I treat everyone the same. I treat people in a way that creates comfort while still delivering my knowledge. Like in class I always say ‘Hey, how are you?’ But in a certain way, you keep your distance and I keep mine. But all in all, I give my experience and knowledge, which I think can create a lot of opportunities for my students,” Mr. Diaz said.
Going to the middle schools to recruit, reviewing school applications and approving school events for AOF members are just the little daily tasks that Mr. Diaz has inherited from becoming the head of AOF. Sometimes, his day starts with recruiting eighth graders at middle schools, promoting why Gables is the best choice of education. Only months ahead until magnet applications close on Jan.15, Mr. Diaz will then start to carefully review submissions and he decide which students qualify to become a part of the AOF. He is also in charge of the school events for paid AOF members wherein the AOF board members are the ones who come up with these creative ideas.
“I like how Mr. Diaz gives us a lot of freedom to participate in the board. He’s not extremely strict nor laid back, which is why I feel like he’s the best mentor the board could use right now. As vice president, when the president isn’t around, I step in by organizing our fundraisers, planning upcoming activities, recruiting students in middle schools, and interviewing anyone interested in joining the board,” senior Kalel Sada said.
More so, his third period is spent teaching Accounting Level I and meeting with the AOF Board. There, he conducts meetings with the council speaking about the agenda of the week and dives into his lessons showcasing a perfect balance of both his administrative and teaching roles. For example, though he initiated the idea of selling coffee each morning, he encouraged the council to come up with ideas and take charge of them.
“During third period is when the AOF [Board] and the FBLA board do most of the meetings. We have a meeting always during the first 15 minutes and we talk about what we are doing. Right now we’re selling coffee on Friday mornings so we manage the coffee sales. Since I am the social media manager, I am in charge of posting information on the Instagram account and I also help out with other stuff that the Board needs. We’re going on a Hollywood Studios trip soon, so I am planning on making reels for that,” senior Emma Riviera said.
“As the future unravels itself, I hope to accomplish many of my wishes, but mainly making AOF the biggest program in Coral Gables Senior High. My intention is not to mislead or mismanage but to be understanding. For example, many people become busy and forget to complete their commitments, but I believe that there is always a reason for things like this. In reality, I do not mind at all to sacrifice a couple of things here and there just to make sure that every student gets something in return,” Mr. Diaz said.
As Mr. Diaz oversees the program, universities will look forward to reviewing the applications of the next generation of financial leaders all coming from Gables. His role as AOF Coordinator showcases his care about business and seeing his students succeed. Guidance and mentoring Cavaliers to follow their likes and interests, while teaching about accounting not only enriches their knowledge but also their experience. Over the next few years, Mr. Diaz will shape the next generation of business leaders through a nurturing environment that lets the Cavaliers grow mentally.
