EPCC Student Wins International Pageant

El Paso, Texas, November 18, 2024 – Adversity might be what has motivated El Paso Community College (EPCC) student Daniel Dominguez to overcome the many challenges he has faced. Maybe it was being diagnosed with a learning disability when he was young, maybe it was the bullying, obesity, or maybe it was the death of his older brother.

Whatever it was, 19-year-old Daniel Dominguez used it as motivation to earn the Top Crown at the Mister Teen Universe International Pageant in the Teen Category, last week, in Panama.

At a young age, Daniel was placed in special education after being diagnosed with a delayed speech impairment and a delayed learning incapacity. Daniel grew to a 229-pound Defensive Lineman for the Americas High School football team, but tired of the bullying throughout his school years, he asked to be taken off the special education designation. “I struggled throughout school but with the help of wonderful teachers, therapists, and other staff, I was able to graduate like a normal student,” Daniel said.

But life was not without more challenges. Before his senior year, his older brother, Juan Carlos Dominguez Jr, died due to alcohol abuse and obesity. “I saw the heartache my parents went through and decided to make the best decision in my life,” Daniel added. “Within 3 months, I went down to 167 pounds. No one could believe the transformation I made.”

The sudden weight loss also meant less playing time on the football team, but with that new physique came new opportunities. Daniel was invited to participate in a modeling competition and won El Paso’s Top Model by Lijuro Productions. From there, his modeling passion grew, and in November 2023 won the award for the Audi of El Paso Male Top Model.

When he turned 18, his father told him “I am going to give you a birthday gift that could be a gift every day,” Daniel said. “I was expecting something nice, and he gives me this 600-page book on how to become a Personal Trainer, and I became the youngest International Sports Sciences Association Personal Trainer with Specialization in Nutrition, Body Building and Strength and Conditioning.”

“My father taught me that life will put obstacles before you, but you put the limits and don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot accomplish something productive in your life.”

“Being proud of you son is one of the greatest feelings I can have as a father,” Juan Carlos Dominguez Sr., Daniel’s Father, said. “Overcoming many obstacles to be the best of you.”

As a Nursing student at EPCC, Daniel has attended Fashion Week in Los Angeles, and works as a personal trainer. He just competed and won the Mister Teen Universe International Pageant in Panama, and plans more international pageants February 5-8, 2025, in Paraguay, and following that, he will travel to compete in Puerto Rico. Daniel enjoys charity work and hopes to assist the elderly and fight obesity when he graduates from EPCC.

“As I prepare to showcase my talent, dedication, and hard work on the esteemed stage of the competition, I don’t forget where I was and where I am. I had to face tragedy to realize that I needed to change my lifestyle and care for my health. Now everything is possible, and I have always believed in the power of determination and perseverance.”

Photos, courtesy: Dominguez Family

Daniel Winning at Mr Teen Universe in Panama

Daniel with the Teen Universe Crown

Daniel Dominguez Posing During a Competition