My Most Influential People of 2013

13) Kobe Bryant: C'mon. You really think that I would leave the Black Mamba off my list?! I've been a die hard Lakers fan since 6 and Kobe shooting air balls in Utah as a rookie! Seeing him go off like he did to WILL THE TERRIBLE LAKER TEAM TO THE PLAYOFFS! And then, it happened. The Achille's rupture. The end never seemed nearer for my favorite player on my favorite team. But his will, once again, got him back to play regardless of prognostics and pundits alike. Yes, he hurt is knee and that may very well be an indicator that he is soon to retire but his spirit, work ethic, and fire is not to be overlooked! Why is Kobe influential? His focus, mind set, and dedication should encourage us to do the same and apply it to our own passion; even if we are written off and discouraged. Kobe keeps fighting for what drives him, and I'll take that lesson for my life and my passion.

12) Nelson Mandela: Nelson has always been a figure of intrigue and admiration. His death and the film on his life catapults him to my list. Why? I have always loved to hear things on Mandela, but the combo of movie and passing makes you think. And analyze. Mandela's unwavering dedication to the cause is a model that EVERYONE SHOULD FOLLOW. You believe in something, don't give up on it. Regardless of political persecution, imprisonment, or broken relationships. One of the things that I admire of Mandela is that he knew when to put the betterment of others before his person opinions. He could have easily continued with violence against the apartheid in his country but he saw something radical that would forever change his country: love. When people realize that in our world that love is all what is need. Love breeds peace, forgiveness, and progress. Mandela, rest in peace, you are extremely influential on this world, especially of a Guatemalan man in LA.

11)My Students going to College: Wow! I could not been more prouder of all the youth I have seen reach the next level! My Dos Pueblos kids include Karen Garcia (UCSB), Miguel Castillo (SFSU), Laurie Recinos (SBCC), Maggie Cabrera (SBCC), Talia (SFSU), Iris Ramirez (SBCC) and others (Sorry! Some names slip my mind! I'm getting old). From Leuzinger I have Allyza (CSUDH) and Tiffany (CSULB) and others! My CLOPpers, I have Alejandra Guzman (UCSC; not the singer), Devin Perkins (SMCC), Alejandra Mendoza (CSUN), Sergio Montes (SDSU), and Lawrence Carcamo (WLAC)!! You guys are ALL INSPIRATIONAL! Your successes motivate me! And they inspire others to do the same! Also to my kids already in college! Michael, Samantha, Jackie, Karla, Kimberly, Eriberto, Luis. To my other CLOPpers, you are meant to succeed! I am always here to help you succeed! I never forget any of you guys! None! Also a shout out to other CLOPpers I keep in touch with! Luis (UCB) and Kevin (NYU Shanghai)!

10) My Little aka Frankie Espinoza: Man, I tell you this every time we talk, but I am damn proud of you! You have kept your balance with your academics, have done extracurricular activities, and have been a great partner for Nina. I know I haven't done my part to keep in touch more but believe that I think of you always. I can't wait to hear more your success! From working to Watts, to your GPA, and other endeavors you embark on! You are very inspirational! Know that! It is something to have some pride but humble yourself and keep working! Also, I want to give a shootout to the rest of my freshman group--yea you guys are still freshmen to me! Tony, Erik, Juan aka Abuelo, Gonzalo, I am proud of you guys, I have a lot of love for you guys! I am here if you guys need anything! I want all of y'all to succeed!!

9) Amabilia Villeda: To the small, loud Guatemalan lady! Ojala que un dia podra leer este simple mensaje. Usted inspira a muchos incluyendo a mi. Su pasión y dedicación para mejorar la educación para su hijo y toda una comunidad es muy impresionante! Siendo líder, usted aprecio en muchas cadenas de noticia y muchos artículos en los periódicos pero usted nunca perdió la humildad. Creeme cuando digo que yo aprecio las baciladas, las risas y su pasión por una generación y comunidad que merece mejor. También a todas las mamas, papas y abuelitos de al 24th Stree Elementary, estoy muy agradecido por haber estado con ustedes. A lo mejor ninguno de ustedes leerá este mensaje, pero ustedes inspira a muchos! Also for the Parent Revolution team at 24th street, thank you for taking me in! Yuri, KB, Cue, and my main man, my Guatemalan homie, Don Hector.

8) Cesar Arambul: My little homie, my little brother. I hope you get to read this too! Here is man that is capacitated to inspire many! Cesar, aint nobody that can write you off! I am very proud of you! I admire your hard work--during high school, ELAC, and at work. I'm glad that we kicked it a few times this year, that brings me great joy! Also, your interest to look for God goes unnoticed. He knows that you are looking for Him, and believe me you'll find Him! You are meant to do great things! Believe that man! You are hope and inspiration to generation and community without many positive role models. You already know this, I got your back always.

7) Llury Garcia: Llury, you made HISTORY! You led a change in Watts! This has never been seen, never been heard of, and has never been experienced! Your leadership is extraordinary! You might not believe that but it is true! If you haven't heard of the Weigand campaign, you better find out and seen what a mom from the community can do! I am glad that I can call you my friend. Thank you for confiding me your story, you are a strong person. Never forget that. What you did, nobody can take that from you! Ana has a great mom! I got your back and never forget, that God has something bigger for you, just look for him!

6) Jessenia: I am so proud of you. That way you have matured in the Lord and the works you have done for him. Gardena will never forget of the children's event you and IBB did. God will always remember that you listened to his vision and pursued regardless of circumstance. I am so glad that you have taken a leadership role at your church and have done so fearlessly. It is never easy but you stayed with it! I love you! Thank you for our talks, your motivation, our trip to SF (dormilona!)! Because of you, I came back to God. Never underestimate how God can use you! Stay inspirational!

5) Naty: Damn Patoja, you are in college! Words cannot not describe on how proud I am of you! You know I love you dearly and I want nothing but the best for you! You are strong, independent, and intelligent! God will always be there for you, take advantage of that! Nunca te olvides de tu creador y tu salvador! You inspire many! You got kids back here looking up to you and you are about to influence many in San Diego. You are a great asset to our society and to many communities, but you are a much bigger asset to God and His Kingdom!

4) My Parents: These two have sacrificed so much so I can have what I have: shelter, clothes, and an education. This leads to my budding career. Thank you for instructing me in God's way since I was young. I left, I denied God for many years but your prayers never lost fervor for me. I am back with Him. Thank you! Your hard work and sacrifice are still constant, and thank you for motivating me to be the best that I can be. You two have been my most permanent influential people on this earth. God bless you two!

3) Pastor Humberto Montufar: Pastor, usted no sabe cuanto me has influenciado este año. Primero, usted solo era el pastor de la iglesia donde asistía, pero ahora reconozco que usted es mi pastor. Gracias por ser el gran líder que es. Gracias por ser atento, por escuchar y por ser sabio en sus palabras. Su influencia permanece en mi, ahora que soy líder en la iglesia, por su autoridad que Dios le da. Que Dios le bendiga por el resto de sus días--que serán muchos!

2) Vanessa: There is no doubt in my mind that you are the love of my life, the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. This is not fantasy or some intense romance. You are my rock, my motivator, my partner. When I begin to waver, you stabilize me. You are such a blessing in my life and our beginning took place this past year, 2013. You gear my back always to God, and we have a ministry that is about to take off! God has the answers to our doubts, inquiries, and uncertainties but you are a clear answer that you are mine! Babe, you aren't only inspirational to me but to many!! And best believe that your sphere of influence will continue to grow as our ministry grows! God bless you!

1) Jesus: My number one spot will always be Jesus Christ to hold. Many are quick to judge and to say something. Why? Do you have the experience that I have? I'll tell you this, living in faith, praying to Jesus, and reading the Bible is all experience. Not rules, no regulations. There exist one division and that is sin and God. They don't go together. We are all sinners (we as humans don't define what is sin or not; only God can do that) but Jesus takes away sin from the equation so there is no division between man and God. Jesus showed me that this year. He showed me through excitement, my doubt, my struggles, my pain and He has remained. Jesus, you are the most influential person. This is your spot. Thank you for blessing me. Thank you for my career! Thank you for position at church. Everything I do is for you. Because I do everything for you, I will love everyone and not judge. They will see that I am wired different and that is because I have you! You are most influential this past years and all years to come!