David C., a North Dallas High School junior, is shaping his leadership skills as the newly elected vice president of the school’s League of United Latin American Citizens Council.  Whether helping behind the desk at the school’s main office or honoring family traditions in Mexico, David exemplifies this by setting an example. “David joined LULAC last school year and immediately stood out with his willingness to learn and participate in our council events,” Rubi Chavez, LULAC sponsor at North Dallas High School said. “He has the best personality and will do whatever he can to make things happen. He was parliamentarian last year and was just voted into the vice president position this school year.” Wearing a polo with “student ambassador” across the left side, the P-TECH student did not always consider himself a leader. Once introverted, and on the heels of virtual learning, the turning point for him was being accepted to Alex W. Spence Preparatory & TAG Academy. “In my eighth-grade year at Spence, they helped me, and it boosted my ego because all my teachers were recognizing me,” he said. “That’s when I started talking to people and became more involved with school.”  David admits he has always been smart, but that success was defined by competitiveness when he was younger. With the support of his family, he now realizes it’s about putting forth one’s best effort. “My mom and older sisters have always told me they see my potential and now I’m starting to believe it,” he said. “I see them as the primary source of my success. I value that support and it helped me because now I’m top 10 in my class.” At home, David’s family plays a key role in shaping his values. His grandmother, known in her Chihuahua neighborhood for selling tamales–a tradition she later taught her son (David’s father) and grandchildren–showed him the importance of hard work and connection. “My family never stopped visiting Mexico so it feels like we never left,” he said. “Every time we go, we do a huge get-together with the neighborhood and it’s really nice. My cousins, here in Dallas, used to live five houses away and now we live 20 minutes away, but we still hang out every other weekend.” Similarly, on his mother’s side, David’s small business, AyyQuinQuin Creations, began in eighth grade when his mom taught him how to bake and sell treats like chocolate-covered Oreos, strawberries, and Rice Krispies Treats. He later expanded on his own, adding custom shirts to the mix and promoting his business on Instagram. Alongside his business and academics, David’s involvement in LULAC has been a key part of his growth as a leader. This summer, he attended the LULAC National Youth Convention in Denton, where he had the opportunity to meet students from other councils. “He knew how to network, make connections, and left with lifelong friendships,” Chavez said. “He was voted Mr. LULAC at the National Youth Level which speaks volumes of what his peers think of him. Other students look up to David and seek his guidance. His energy is to be admired and his pride in our school is infectious.” David plans to extend his LULAC involvement into college as a leader in the Latino community.  “When I go to college, even if they don’t have a LULAC council there, I plan to open one and start being a sponsor,” he said. “That way, we can expand and connect with people who are from our background. I feel like that’s a way for me to be a leader, showing that I care about my heritage.” The post Hispanic Heritage Month: North Dallas High School junior leads to the rhythm of progress first appeared on The Hub.