On Becoming a Better Man, Human, and Father

Look Pops! I’m on TV!

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I always forget to let my parents know Teevee will be on TV.

But not this time.

This time I knew when my next appearance would be broadcasted live. I called my mom to let her know and be ready for all 5 seconds of my face and voice on the 10 pm news.

I’ve become somewhat of a regular on Univision23 in Dallas. When they need someone to speak on social media and internet craziness, they reach out. This time was no different.

About 13 years ago, I told my parents that I was quitting my job and doing something different. I wanted to be more involved with my girls and do work that made a more significant impact in the world.

My pops didn’t understand any of it and was confused about why I would quit my job. He said some mean things to discourage me from doing it.

I did it anyway.

Hearing their pride on the phone when they saw me on the news the last time made me feel happy. Validated.

I can never escape that feeling of making mom and dad proud. It’s still something that drives me a bit.

I’m lying. It drives me a lot.

By Teevee Aguirre
On Becoming a Better Man, Human, and Father