An idea came to me when I was working for this last Spanish radio station to have a highlight feature segment each month. The segment would feature a person who has overcome numerous obstacles, but with motivation and perseverance has come out on top. This was also a thought to give credit and notoriety to someone who otherwise would never have been heard of.
So I've decided to use this platform to go on with my idea and thank those whom I have crossed paths with in my lifetime to show them they are appreciated and their hard work is noticed.
For my first Monthly Spotlight I want to give major props to my friend and colleague, Freddy Aguilar.
I first met Freddy in September of 2011 when I returned to work for iHeart Media, back when it was still Clear Channel Communications. Freddy and I were both promotions assistants and both started off as interns prior to that. The funny thing to this story is that Freddy and I couldn't stand each other at first. He had a problem with my not-so-perfect Spanish speaking skills and I didn't like his ignorance to the fact that I am third generation, but was trying my best.
It took us nearly three months and getting into a heated discussion before we became cordial, and eventually great friends. Telling everyone our story is always a pleasure for me to have that example and personal experience of how we overcame our differences in the workplace.
Freddy is a husband to his beautiful wife, father to four gorgeous girls, coach to a softball team, manager to a new music band, promotions employee to the newest Spanish station in Chicago, and my great friend. How he manages all of this each and everyday is beyond me, but he takes pride in each responsibility he carries in his life.
Having worked with Freddy on and off over the last five years has allowed me to get to know him better and see what an amazing person he is both at work and as a friend. I imagine I may have told him at least ten times a week that I don't know how he does it. He is such a positive person that at times it annoys me that he can be so easy going in every situation, even the hardest of predicaments.
During the last almost two months at my most recent job I was going through the toughest of situations. The person who originally hired me and knew my potential was let go and it left me somewhat uneasy of my future with the company. It was a tough month to endure with some of the staff unconvinced that I was the right person for the job. Even having to deal with public humiliation and disrespect from a person in a management role. Each day was becoming harder to deal with coming into the office because I had no idea what to expect. Was someone going to disrespect me today, undermine me, question my abilities? I just wasn't sure and frankly getting to my breaking point quicker as each day passed.
Unfortunately for me, Freddy's hours had been cut drastically due to that same person's personal agenda and I had less time to see him while at work. It angered me that they were being incredibly unfair and for all the wrong reasons. However, to my surprise Freddy kept his calm, continues to be patient to this day and extremely positive. Freddy would tell me, "it's okay don't take it so serious and just keep doing the good job that you're doing." Not only would he give me his own words of encouragement, but he would share prayers that have helped him, and he knows how important my faith is to me.
All of this was necessary for me to hear each day, but unfortunately it got so bad for me personally that I left the company. Freddy, however, stayed and continues to be a positive force to be reckoned with. I have so much admiration for the person he is both professionally and personally. I just want him to know that his efforts do not go unnoticed and that I pray he continues to be successful in his desired career path.
I'm sure many know him as El Compa Freddy from El Patron (now BIG 95.5FM), but to me he's Freddy, my humble and caring friend who I know will be my friend for a lifetime. Thank you for all that you have done, continue to do, and for the positive force you have been in every one's life that you have touched.
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"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in your power to do it." - Proverbs 3:27
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