Mario Lopez is the student support specialist at Oscar De La Hoya Animo Charter High School. This means that Mr. Lopez deals with student behavior in and outside of the classroom. Mr. Lopez does not only deal with the behavior of students but also deals with the wrongful use of electronics in the classroom explaining why he walks into classrooms at random times. He is seen as a figure of authority. Beyond being viewed as an authority figure, he wants students at Oscar De La Hoya to be motivated and be successful.

“I am the person who not only deals with discipline but I’m also a person who will motivate you and your peers as students and empower you to be able to accomplish your goals and reach your goals. To be the best version of yourself as a student and to just most importantly be yourself.” Mr. Lopez is not only using his position as a way to keep students in check but, he is also using his job to motivate and make the students successful and responsible while they are on school campus.

Mr. Lopez believes that discipline is about students’ actions and behavior, “Well in the world of discipline, it really depends on the way we target it.” Mr. Lopez continues by stating, “When a student comes to me because he or she has already been talked to 3 times by a teacher. I always have the student take a reflective approach.” Mr. Lopez likes to have the students reflect on their actions instead of just punishing them.

Mr. Lopez strongly believes that students have to come in and be their best and be knowledgeable in every subject needed. “You’re here as a student to be able to learn to be more knowledgeable in what subject you’re learning in that class.” Mr. Lopez further explains, “Your responsibility as a student is to be able to learn and to know the subject, be knowledgeable in the subject” He wants the students to try their best and believes it’s their responsibility to learn.

Mario Lopez is not only an authority figure but also a person who believes in the students he talks to. Mario is someone who students believe is there to discipline only because of the position he holds at Oscar De La Hoya but in reality he does more than discipline. In conclusion, Mario Lopez is someone you can talk to and someone who could motivate you to be a better person.