He is the most interesting man on campus.
He has travelled around the world as a financial advisor for the United Nations. He is the only person to ever play on two national sports teams for Venezuela. He is currently fighting a battle with skin cancer. He is fluent in two languages. He is Pedro Perdomo.

Walking into a new room on the first day of school, you may expect nothing more than a regular Spanish teacher who is trying to get through the year just as fast as you are. However, as the weeks go by, you may notice something extraordinary about your class.

“I remember going to high school was a big change in my life,” Perdomo said.

A determined teacher is someone who not only is enthusiastic inside of the classroom, but a person who doesn’t give up on any kid and sticks with their job. Teaching has been Perdomo’s major job, although being a professor was not the first thing on his mind. His father was an educator, and that career has run in their family. Having close family and friends has also been a big part of his life. Moving schools was a big change, going from a catholic school during the elementary and middle school years, and then moving into a public high school. He was very athletic during high school, and played baseball and football for his school teams.

“I went to high school; I was in a catholic school then went to a public school. The easy part was I my brothers were there, and my dad was a principal, not in the same school though,” Perdomo said.

Going through college Perdomo wanted to become an economist; even with three siblings, he ended up being the social one of his family. Later in life he had a career within the United Nations, and has traveled to many different countries due to his job, and also being a financial advisor for them. Besides his day jobs, Perdomo also became a professional athlete for Venezuela. He not only played soccer, but also baseball when he lived there.  Not only has he taught high school students, but he has worked with children from junior high, up to college and graduate school.

“I have had several jobs; teaching has been my major job, having teaching middle, high, and college, even graduate school. Even as a financial advisor for the United Nations,” Perdomo said.

“Teaching is something very special because I have an opportunity to help kids, be with them, tell them I am here for them, I care more about my kids more than anything else;  they are my life. The best part is to see them be successful, and receiving letters and emails from them telling me with how satisfied with my class.”

To earn his job teaching, Perdomo worked hard to achieve a master’s degree, given to him by Eastern New Mexico University; although his fight didn’t stop there. About two years ago he was diagnosed with skin cancer, which he is still trying to get rid of today.

“My dad came to study his master’s degree in Milwaukee Wisconsin, so we stayed here for about a year and a half. Then I came to study my master’s degree. We have been living together here for about 25 years in all, but never more than 7 years or more at a time,” perdomo said.

Paralleling his colorful background, this teacher is out of the ordinary. Not only being in the UN, a professional sports player, and well-rounded professor, Perdomo has taken experience to the next level. Even with his up and downs, he has proven himself as a dedicated teacher.