EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) - An El Paso Community College (EPCC) nursing student used the adversity he has faced as motivation to take home the Top Crown at an international pageant contest, EPCC said in a news release. Photos courtesy of EPCC Daniel Dominguez, 19, earned the Top Crown at the Mister Teen Universe International Pageants in the Teen Category last week in Panama, EPCC said in a news release. EPCC said that at a young age, Dominguez was placed in special education after being diagnosed with a delayed speech impairment and a delayed learning incapacity. Dominguez grew to a 229-pound defensive lineman for the Americas High School football team, but tired of the bullying throughout his school years, he asked to be taken off the special education designation. “I struggled throughout school but with the help of wonderful teachers, therapists, and other staff, I was able to graduate like a normal student,” Dominguez said. But life put Dominguez through more challenges. Before his senior year, his older brother, Juan Carlos Dominguez Jr., died due to alcohol abuse and obesity. “I saw the heartache my parents went through and decided to make the best decision in my life,” Dominguez added. “Within 3 months, I went down to 167 pounds. No one could believe the transformation I made.” EPCC said the sudden weight loss also meant less playing time on the football team, but with that new physique came new opportunities. Dominguez was invited to participate in a modeling competition and won El Paso’s Top Model by Lijuro Productions. From there, his modeling passion grew, and in November 2023 he won the award for the Audi of El Paso Male Top Model. When he turned 18, his father, Juan Carlos Dominguez Sr., told him, "I am going to give you a birthday gift that could be a gift every day." “I was expecting something nice, and he gives me this 600-page book on how to become a personal trainer, and I became the youngest International Sports Sciences Association personal trainer with a specialization in nutrition, body building, and strength and conditioning,” Dominguez said. “My father taught me that life will put obstacles before you, but you put the limits and don't let anyone tell you that you cannot accomplish something productive in your life.”  “Being proud of your son is one of the greatest feelings I can have as a father,” Dominguez’s father said. “Overcoming many obstacles to be the best of you.” As an EPCC nursing student, Dominguez has attended Fashion Week in Los Angeles and works as a personal trainer. He just competed and won the Mister Teen Universe International Pageant in Panama, and plans more international pageants on Feb. 5-8, 2025, in Paraguay. Following that, he will travel to compete in Puerto Rico. Dominguez enjoys charity work and hopes to assist the elderly and fight obesity when he graduates from EPCC. “As I prepare to showcase my talent, dedication, and hard work on the esteemed stage of the competition, I don't forget where I was and where I am. I had to face tragedy to realize that I needed to change my lifestyle and care for my health. Now everything is possible, and I have always believed in the power of determination and perseverance,” Dominguez said.