Bryan Aguila Perez: Building Bridges Through Bilingual Education
When Bryan Aguila Perez walks into a preschool classroom, he does so with quiet confidence and a big smile. Children run to greet him, calling his name with excitement. At just 21 years old, Bryan has already found his purpose: to guide, support and inspire young learners just as teachers once did for him.
Now pursuing a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education at North Seattle College after completing an Associate of Arts degree last spring, Bryan’s story is one of resilience, gratitude and the power of community. From his early days in El Salvador to his current role as a bilingual assistant teacher in Seattle, his journey reflects the transformative impact of educators who saw his potential and encouraged him to keep going.
Childhood Marked by Inspiration
Bryan was born and raised in El Salvador, where his view of education was shaped by two extraordinary teachers.
His first formative experience came in kindergarten at Centro Escolar Don Bosco, where a teacher named Ms. Ventura took a special interest in helping him succeed.
“At that age, I was behind in reading and writing,” Bryan recalls. “Many thought I would have to repeat the year. But Ms. Ventura never gave up on me. She believed I could do it.”
On his kindergarten graduation day, she gave him advice that still echoes in his heart: “Remember, you can do anything you want, but you have to work hard.”
Later, another teacher, Maestro Felipe, showed Bryan that learning could be dynamic and joyful. “He brought creativity and humanity into the classroom,” Bryan says. “He made learning come alive.”
Those early role models planted a seed that would grow years later: a desire to become the kind of educator who changes lives through patience, care and curiosity.
Adapting to a New Life in the U.S.
When Bryan moved to the United States as a teenager, he faced new challenges — a new country, a new language and a completely different school system.
“At first, I didn’t speak English and often felt invisible,” he says.
That began to change when he transferred to Rainier Valley Leadership Academy in Seattle, where a group of teachers went out of their way to help him succeed. “They believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself,” Bryan says. “Without their support, I might have given up.”
Those experiences gave him a vision: to become an educator who ensures no student ever feels left out.
Finding Community at North Seattle College
After high school, Bryan’s advisor encouraged him to apply to North Seattle College’s My Brother’s Teacher program, an initiative designed to increase the number of men of color entering the teaching profession.
“I was nervous about the costs and unsure if I could handle college,” Bryan says. “But my advisor insisted that I meet with Dr. William White. That conversation changed my life.”
Bryan recalls his first meeting with Dr. William White, program director, My Brother’s Teacher, and faculty in North’s Early Childhood Education program. Today, Dr. White serves as interim director for the college’s Access, Community and Opportunity division.
“Dr. White asked me why I wanted to be a teacher,” Bryan says. “He listened, and even though he had just met me, he believed in my potential.”
Dr. White remembers that first impression clearly.
“From the moment I met Bryan, I saw a young man with exceptional empathy and drive,” he says. “Bryan spoke from the heart about his teachers in El Salvador and how they shaped his values. I knew right then he had the passion to become an extraordinary educator.”
With Dr. White’s guidance, Bryan joined the My Brother’s Teacher program and began working toward his Associate of Arts degree, receiving scholarships and ongoing mentorship along the way.
“Bryan’s story is a perfect example of what happens when opportunity meets determination,” Dr. White says. “He took full advantage of every resource at North Seattle College and, in doing so, became a role model for others.”
Learning by Doing
As part of My Brother’s Teacher, Bryan began an internship at Southwest Early Learning Bilingual Preschool (SWEL), an experience that confirmed his passion for early education.
“The first time I walked into that preschool, I felt like I belonged there,” he recalls. “Helping children learn through play was incredible. I realized I didn’t just want to teach; I wanted to make every student feel seen and valued.”
During his internship, Bryan learned how to communicate with parents, document children’s progress and create engaging classroom activities. That hands-on training led directly to his current position as a bilingual assistant teacher.
“At first, I knew almost nothing about how a preschool operated,” he says. “But the SWEL team and my mentors at North Seattle helped me grow.”
As a result of his hard work and internship performance, SWEL’s director hired him to be a full-time assistant teacher.
Being a Bilingual Educator
For Bryan, teaching in two languages is about more than words. It’s about identity and belonging.
“Being bilingual allows me to connect with children and families on a deeper level,” he explains. “I know what it feels like to be excluded because of language. Now, I want every child to feel proud of who they are.”
In his classroom, students are encouraged to express themselves in both English and Spanish, learning not only language skills but also empathy and respect for cultural diversity.
“Bryan brings a wealth of cultural capital and compassion to his teaching,” says Dr. White. “He understands the importance of representation. Children see him and think, ‘He looks like me. Maybe I can be a teacher too.’”
Transformative College Experience
Bryan, who is the first member of his family to graduate college, describes his time at North Seattle College as “transformative.”
“The college gave me everything I needed to succeed: academic support, financial help and a community that believed in me,” he says.
Through programs like Seattle Promise, Bryan received assistance with tuition, registration and even public transportation. Advisors provided ongoing guidance and encouragement throughout his studies.
“The small class sizes and supportive environment made a huge difference,” he says. “At North Seattle College, I wasn’t just a student. I was part of a family.”
Lessons from a Mentor
One moment with Dr. White stands out as a defining experience for Bryan.
On June 24, 2023, he helped welcome the newest cohort of My Brother’s Teacher participants, standing alongside Dr. White to light ceremonial candles marking the beginning of their journey.
“Dr. White shared my story with everyone and said he was proud of me,” Bryan recalls. “No teacher had ever said that to me before. I will never forget that moment.”
“That day, I wanted Bryan to understand how far he’d come,” says Dr. White. “He had balanced school, work and his internship with incredible perseverance. Recognizing his growth was important, not just for him, but for the younger students who see what’s possible through his example.”
Looking Ahead
Today, Bryan continues his studies in the Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education program while working as a bilingual assistant teacher. His long-term goal is to specialize in mathematics education and continue empowering bilingual students.
“I want to create classrooms where every child feels valued, no matter what language they speak,” he says. “Bilingualism is not a barrier, it’s a bridge.”
“Bryan represents the heart of North Seattle College,” Dr. White adds. “He’s compassionate, hardworking and dedicated to building a more inclusive future through education.”
Advice for Future Educators
When asked what advice he would give to other students considering education, Bryan says it’s all about embracing your story.
“Even the hard parts,” he emphasizes. “They make you who you are. Don’t be afraid to use your experiences to connect with students. Being bilingual, being different, those are strengths. And never underestimate the difference you can make in a child’s life.”
For Bryan Aguila Perez, education is more than a career; it’s a calling rooted in gratitude, purpose and hope. And for North Seattle College, his story reflects what happens when mentorship, opportunity and determination come together to shape the next generation of educators.
“Education changed my life,” Bryan says. “Now it’s my turn to change lives through education.”