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My First Day of Life
My first day as a Pulido. This event is important because it was a miracle I was born. During the birthing process the umbilical chord was tied around my neck and at one point, the doctors asked my father if they could only save one life who would it be? Thank God, my mother and I both lived. I was born in to a house full of women- my mother, grandmother, and two sisters. They were to become my role models. My father worked incessantly, and was rarely home. I quickly became responsible. -
School Begins! The Race Begins!
I was groomed for school. From a young age, I saw my parents study diligently to perfect their English. I was told early on that school would give me options in life. I was the last child left at home, so going to school was so much fun. However, I knew I had a job to do. School influenced me on who I would become because my family stated to me unequivocally that school is the most important job you will ever have in your life. This was the day I was to "clock-in" and have not looked back. -
When Things Became Serious
When I started high school, I knew that college was right around the corner. This was when things were to become even more serious. This day was to shape me in to the man I would be today. This event would determine what options I would have in life. Academically and athletically, this was when things were to require another level of focus. Could I do the work? Could I compete against another level of competition? If anything, it made me focus even more. This event made me pause and reflect. -
A New Challenge Begins
My high school graduation was memorable. I graduated on a Thursday, and the following day at 4 am, I would be working construction to help pay for college. This event showed me that I hadn't won the race yet. I was just coming around the corner to take the next step in life. It was a happy day, but I was scared because I knew an even more serious chapter in my life was to begin. Would I be ready? I had doubts.I had the support of my family but now it was all me to decide my path. -
The Struggle Begins. Self Doubt Sets In.
My first day of class at Notre Dame was an eye-opening experience. Being on a campus with only 64 total Hispanics was a cultural shock. I went from a public school environment to competing against the best and brightest this country had to offer. Parts of that day were a blur, but I knew that I needed to work both smarter and harder if I was to survive the academic rigor. I had never seen a day in my academic career where I wasn't competitive. Today I realized I was no longer a big fish. -
Team Pulido
After almost six years of waiting, I married my college sweetheart. It was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. She is the rock that I lean against when I am weak, and has made me a better man every day of my life. I've learned that I don't always have to have the answer, I have a partner that can help me through this crazy thing called life. Sometimes you laugh and sometimes you cry, but though it all, you have a lifelong friend. She makes me a better person. -
"Lights Out" Pulido is born.
My first child, Larisa Pulido was born on this day. She has been a joy to watch mature in to a fine young lady. She has taught me patience and allowed me to see who I am as a person and a father. Raising children seems to bring out the best and the worst of you at times. However, it makes you reflect on how you can do things better in the future. I need to do better and be better to help my children be better individuals. My daughter challenges me to be a better human being each and everyday. -
Tobias aka Lil T is born.
My son, Tobias Adrian Pulido, was born on this day. Tobias has been an influence on me because he's a mini me. However, this time I can try and help him become even better than his daddy. He has an academic side but is not as fierce athletically as my daughter. He is a hard worker, and pushes me to be the best at everything. When you look at your child and you see your reflection something, changes you. You realize that you have been given a second chance in life, in my case, through my son. -
The Fun Begins!!
This was our first big family vacation. Our time in Disney World really put things in to perspective on what life is really about, having fun. This day was remarkable because both of my kids stated unequivocally, "Daddy, we don't want to go home." I knew then, all my hard work was not wasted. It was for this one moment that I keep doing what I am doing. It's for them. These little family moments when life is firing on all cylinders as a family. This day was that moment. Memories are priceless. -
The Plan Takes a Detour
On this day, I was rear-ended by one of my students while I was leaving school. He never hit the brakes and slammed in to me from behind while I was at a stop light. He fractured my neck and changed my life forever. I am no longer able to exercise and train like I did in the past, and have weekly physical therapy to alleviate the pain. However, the event has made me value everything I have even more. Sadly, it could have been much worse. Life is a gift. I need to treat it as such.
