LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Carlos Romero was nominated by his spouse, Leticia Romero.

Nineteen years ago, Mr. Romero began his career in law enforcement. It not only led him to the career he chose after law enforcement, but it led him to a place where he could continue to inspire and motivate. In the last few years of his law enforcement years, Mr. Romero was asked to speak to the youth in schools about the dangers of drugs. He was also asked to attend several career fairs to talk to students about a career in law enforcement. When he felt the time was right to leave his career in law enforcement, standing in front of kids from elementary to high school helped him find a different passion - his passion for teaching and inspiring.

In the summer of 2016, Mr. Romero made it his goal to get his teaching certificate to teach criminal justice and accomplished it. He applied to several school districts that summer, but it was La Feria ISD who called. This was going to be different to the career he had, and it took some time for him to not miss the action and rush of adrenaline he had at his former job, but he soon realized that teaching was going to be better. What person is lucky to have a career and feel so passionate about it, not once in their life, but twice?

Mr. Romero thought his first year in teaching would be the hardest, but it turned out to be the greatest year for him. He began with starting up the Criminal Justice Club up again and making it a club that the kids would want to be a part of. He soon had up to 60 students signed up to be part of the club. Mr. Romero involved the kids in fundraising, giving back, and showing leadership by having the club members choose officers for the club. He coordinated field trips to keep the students motivated in their pursuit of law enforcement careers. On one of those trips, he was tased as a demonstration to his students, something he never thought he'd have to do again. When asked why he did it, he responded by saying, "If I am telling my kids they will have to do this when they become police officers, it is up to me to show them what they will have to go through."

His second year of teaching came as fast as it went, but not before accomplishing and beginning new traditions at La Feria High. He promoted Drug Awareness during the Say No to Drugs campaign. Although he teaches an elective course and club, he managed to raise funds to purchase Say No to Drugs bracelets for the entire school, including teachers and administrators. To end his second year, he soon realized that the school did not have a color/honor guard. As an Army Veteran and Criminal Justice teacher, he felt it was important for the district to have one, and he created another opportunity for his club members and kids to be involved in the community and show leadership.

He is in now is his third year at La Feria High School as their Criminal Justice teacher. Three weeks prior to his nomination, he was able to display what he says is his greatest accomplishment at La Feria High thus far: his school color guard, which consists of his four female officers. The color guard made their debut at the last home football game, marching out in their uniforms with the flags during the national anthem. Since then, his students have been asked to participate in several events, including events during Veterans Day. They will also be leading the Christmas Parade for the city this year.

"Carlos Romero is not only my husband - he is my best friend. Just like the comments I hear from parents and his students when I am sitting in his class during the school's open houses, there is no other person who I look for support and for motivation when I need it," said Leticia Romero. "If you take out the 2018 yearbook for La Feria High School, you will find him in the teachers nominated page as voted as " Most Caring Teacher," not only by his students, but by the entire student body. If you look to his bulletin board, you will find letters to him written by students as to how he has inspired them, along with a poster board in black and blue letters that says  "We Donut know what we would do without you" referring to his police officer career. Funny, but so heartfelt from his students. Carlos Romero is a true LifeChanger in many people's eyes."