A math teacher at YULA Boys High School in Los Angeles, California got a big surprise from her students after they held a secret summer fundraiser and partnered with organizations community-driven organization to raise funds.
His four-hour commute to work
It all started when Joshua Gerendash, a student of Julio Castro, noticed that he was surfing the internet looking for reliable transportation for about $1,500 because he had four hours to work by bus. and scooters, according to The Los Angeles Times.
His commute includes waking up at 4:30 a.m., taking a seven-mile scooter ride to the bus stop, then a 90-minute bus ride to Century City, and finally a one-mile ride to school. Castro knew his students were aware of his situation, but never thought they would do something about it.
I made the best of it. I always tell them: When life doesn’t go your way, what do you do? Don’t cry about it. Don’t whine about it. Just be grateful for what you already have, and then move on. And one day good things will happen.
How his students set up this whole game
When Castro arrived late to school for a faulty assessment meeting, he had no idea what was in store for him. The entire conference is set up! Students honored him by sharing video testimonials, a confetti procession, and to his surprise – ONE CAR!
High school students at Yula Boys’ School in LA surprised their teacher with a car today. They spent the summer raising over $13,000 and held an elaborate reveal today on campus. Vibe was unreal, the students were bewildered all afternoon. pic.twitter.com/YVcVwqiMjk
– emily rahhal her/her (@RahhalEmily) August 25, 2022
The students gave him a dark green 2019 Mazada that had only traveled 30,000 miles and were able to collect enough money to give him a year of insurance and gas money to thank him for always going further.
Another generous gesture!
This isn’t the first time, however, that the students of YULA Boys’ High School have gone above and beyond for a teacher. Just last year, the boys surprised Castro with an electric motorcycle, and gave a teacher in the past several thousand dollars worth of gifts, according to Patch.
One student said,
No matter what happens to him, he will find some way to pay it forward.
Castro while remaining modest about the situation explained why he didn’t complain about his commute.
I have undocumented family members – undocumented people who have three jobs, pay less than me and they don’t complain. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful partner and wonderful kids. So this commute to work is really nothing.
Although Castro has tried to make the most of his 90-minute bus ride by reviewing his sleep or grades, he is grateful for his gifts, his students, and his journey at this school. Even in the past, he turned down a teaching job to stay closer to home.
Roommate, do you remember the first teacher who influenced your life?
