Although this is not his first year here at Jesuit, Mr. Canedo, currently a Biology teacher in the Science Department and Soccer coach, is still new to the Jesuit community, and I recently had the pleasure of interviewing him.
Personal Background
Mr. Canedo had a fairly nomadic upbringing. He was born in Monterrey, Mexico and was raised there for most of his childhood, until he moved to Houston in the 4th grade. He stayed in Houston until the 9th grade before returning home to Monterrey to finish high school.
“My life was split in half”
Mr. Canedo feels deeply attached to both his life in Mexico and in the U.S.. He feels rooted in the culture of Mexico and has all his family in Monterrey, but he additionally doesn’t feel estranged in the U.S. , saying he has never felt like an outsider in the U.S.. Additionally, he feels that this upbringing has given him the ability to step out of his comfort zone, opening many opportunities for him.
College and Professional Background
Mr. Canedo attended the University of Dallas getting his undergrad in Biology. Although he primarily studied biology, Mr. Canedo conducted his undergrad research under Marine Ecology, which is the source of his affinity for marine life.
During his first two years of college, Mr. Canedo played for the University of Dallas’ soccer team, but due to the pandemic and loss of interest, left in exchange for joining the rugby team for the second half of college.
Mr. Canedo graduated in the spring of 2023, and shortly after graduating took his gifts here to Jesuit.
Why Teaching?
“i wanted to live and pass on their example”
Mr. Canedo’s inspiration behind pursuing a career in teaching stems from his past. He has had many mentor figures throughout his life, whom he respected and viewed as role models. He wishes to emulate his role models and be a mentor for the Jesuit community.
Why Jesuit?
Mr. Canedo felt that if he were to pursue a career in teaching, it would have to be at a school such as Jesuit. He gives multiple reasons as to why:
“My faith plays a big role in my life”
Mr. Canedo finds it necessary that his career be rooted in faith, as Catholicism has played an immense role throughout his life.
“That idea of forming men for others is so attractive”
Mr. Canedo really resonates with our schools motto, as, in his opinion, it applies greatly to contemporary society. He says that now due to the widespread effects of social media and various other changes occurring in the world, the basis of manhood is being lost. Fortunately, he strongly believes that Jesuit, through its incredible academics, basis in faith, and multitude of opportunities that allow students to become more aware of their society, is a light in society that excels in forming well rounded young men, a process that he felt incredibly compelled to be a part of.
Current Involvement at Jesuit
Besides obviously teaching freshman Biology, Mr. Canedo has become extremely involved in many activities throughout Jesuit.
Using his experience and love for the sport that he gained from his early life, Mr. Canedo coaches the Jesuit Soccer Team. He’s grateful to be able to show his appreciation for the sport and says that he looks forward to the season ahead.
Mr Canedo also helped teach the Marine Biology course last summer and had the opportunity to join the students in Cayman Brac for a week of scuba diving. This upcoming summer he will be teaching the class on his own, using his knowledge from his undergrad research to show his students the wonders of marine life.
Additionally, Mr. Canedo recently participated in his second service trip with Jesuit, returning to his stomping grounds in Monterrey, Mexico to serve the community that he grew up in.
Interesting Facts
Favorite Animal
Likely due to his undergrad research, Mr. Canedo has acquired an affinity to coral. One thing that he wishes to stress is that corals are actually animals, not plants.
Pets
Mr. Canedo has two Miniature Schnauzers, Bailey and Noey.
3 Words to Describe Yourself
“Authentic, joyful, and empathetic”
Quote That You Live By
“Fall Forward”-Denzel Washington
In a commencement speech to the University of Pennsylvania, Denzel Washington told the graduates to “fall forward,” meaning that if and when you fail, learn from it and use it to grow. Mr. Canedo lives by this quote, always moving forward, even in failure.
Conclusion
Through his various involvements and experience that he brings to the school, Mr. Canedo not only is a blessing to the Jesuit community but also an invaluable example of what it truly means to be a man for others.
