Feel-Good Friday: YULA High School Students Help Fundraise for a Teacher’s Car

YULA Yeshiva, a Jewish high school, is as obvious by its name. It upholds certain values, just like many other religious schools. YULA is a stark contrast to the current era of public education that has little value or causes harm.

From their mission statements

YULA High School is Modern Orthodox Yeshiva. It seeks to instill a strong commitment to Halacha and Torah values as well as exceptional academic achievement and excellent moral behavior.

This act of kindness towards a math teacher was performed by YULA students.

It is this week’s theme for Feel-Good Friday.

@yulaboys an all boys Yeshiva high school in Los Angeles math teacher Julio Castro was waking up at 4am and returning home after 930pm to teach in YULA. To get to work, he had to ride a bus or a scooter.

So the students raised $30,000 and bought their math teacher a Mazda 3 Hatchback. pic.twitter.com/A6ApIn1NZV

— Meaningful Minute (@MeaningfulMin) August 28, 2022

From The Los Angeles Times:

Math teacher Julio Castro believed he was late for the party after he walked into a YULA Boys High School faculty appreciation assembly. He wishes he had been able to drop his name in the raffle.

But the whole event was set up as a surprise to honour him — it began with video testimonials, followed by a procession of students who were holding arms overhead and then a parade through confetti cannons. And the finale: The gift of a certified pre-owned Mazda 3 hatchback to ease the tortuous commute of a beloved teacher.

Castro resides in Santa Clarita Valley. He commutes approximately four hours each day via scooter or bus to reach Westside school. Because he doesn’t have a vehicle, he cannot drive. He typically wakes up at 4: 30 a.m. and returns home as late at 9: 30 p.m., when his three young children are already asleep.

I lived for 10 years in Los Angeles without a car, so I can relate to Julio Castro’s pain. Four months of that time, I lived in Santa Clarita Valley, which I still refer to as “the back-of-beyond”; I also took some of the same buses.

It isn’t for the weak of heart.

Many people commented on the tweet above wanting to talk about the “living wage” and “don’t pay teachers enough.” But there are many reasons Castro might not have owned a car. Castro, unlike me, has three children! According to my parents, children’s health is more important than yours.

I made a lot of money at law firms but couldn’t afford to buy a car that was reliable and affordable.

But the whys of it all are not relevant. It is important to note that Castro had a strong work ethic, and was determined to get to his job on schedule. This is in order to teach his Yula values to his students by teaching math. Castro was aware of his situation, but he didn’t whine or play the victim.

” I made the most of it,” he stated. I always said to them, “When life does not go your way what are you going to do?” It’s okay to not cry. It’s okay to not be upset about it. Be grateful for the things you have and move on. One day, you will see some great things.

“And that’s proof,” he said, marveling at the dark blue 2019 Mazda with its 2.4-liter engine, inline front-wheel drive, leather seats, Bose stereo, sunroof and only 30,000 miles.

This is a great find in an era when pre-owned cars are expensive. The students also raised enough to pay for Castro’s gas and car insurance for a year.

Good job, YULA boys!

Rabbi Arye Suprin, the head of school said that the effort was really about gratitude. This is about having our students appreciate the sacrifice that our teachers and Mr. Castro, in particular, will do to ensure that they can maximize their potential and be the best version of themselves.”

The fact Castro was able to embody the best possible version of himself every day to his students, in spite of his long commute is testament to what persistence and a grateful attitude can do.

Castro attempted to make the most of his bus ride time by taking naps or grade papers. The switch from driving in traffic jams to sitting behind the wheel might not feel as good every day.

I was a bus commuter. I was able to do a lot of writing and reading on long bus rides. Like Castro, however, once I received the blessing of my car, I chose to adapt and embrace it. Castro now has the opportunity to take his children to school, and can spend more time with his family. This is a valuable gift that will be cherished by his whole family.

Castro also teaches us that convenience does not always mean the end goal. Being a member of a loving community and accepting you is the best way to live your life.

The journey was worth it, he stated, so much that he decided to turn down a job as a teacher closer to his home.

YULA opened the doors for him, and he stated that they had accepted him as their family member. That’s something you don’t get. I’d like to be here .”

These young men have the privilege of having a Julio Castro teacher, and Julio Castro has been blessed to have such great students.

Gratitude is complete. Julio Castro, these boys are a testament to the truth of Marcus Tullius Cicero’s words:

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.”

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