El Paso, Texas, September 23, 2024 – The bond between a father and a son is truly special, and in 2024, the heartwarming feeling doesn’t stop with the Perez family, but includes El Paso Community College (EPCC) as well. Father Mike Perez and son Adam Perez have followed an eerily similar path and have an EPCC professor to thank.

After graduating from EPCC in May 2024 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Cybersecurity, Adam Perez sent an email to his former EPCC Information Technology (IT) professor, Delfina Najera, to thank her for informing him of an opening at Desert Imaging in El Paso. “I truly appreciate all your guidance and everything I’ve learned from your classes; it really prepared me for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow in my career,” Adam said.

What he then said shocked everyone. Professor Najera also helped Adam’s father, Mike, get his first job in the IT industry ten years ago.
Mike Perez earned two degrees at EPCC, an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Assurance and Security in 2012, then another Applied Science Degree in IT Systems Networking in 2014. In 2012, while at EPCC, Mike was hired in a work/study STEM program at Western Refining, a position referred to him by his EPCC professor, Delfina Najera. Mike currently works in IT at AT&T under contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“The goals of a faculty member in the ITS/CS Discipline are to not just teach a course but to train our students to be job ready, well rounded, and successful in their field. It has been my pleasure to have played a significant role in our students’ future,” Delfina Najera, EPCC Information Technology Professor, said.

Mike spoke about the most rewarding experience going to EPCC. “Returning back to school to pursue my passion in IT,” said Mike. “Having met with great instructors who cared about their students and being part of an excellent IT program. I was so motivated by the experience that I wanted to go back and complete a second major.” Clearly, it’s a Perez family passion.

“I chose IT because of my passion for technology, but I also owe credit to my dad,” Adam added. “Seeing him in the IT field inspired me to pursue a similar path. Growing up around technology further fueled my interest in an IT career.”

“Having a father and son follow in the same footsteps to reach their dream job has been rewarding and shows the impact of El Paso Community College in our community,” Najera added. “Both father and son have been very strong students and deserve kudos.”

As Mike continues his career with the government, Adam, just like his father, is hoping to further his education. “I’m looking to return to school in the fall to pursue a degree in networking, and then transfer to U.T. San Antonio for a degree in computer science with a focus on cybersecurity. I am particularly interested in Digital Forensics. I believe that using my skills to serve a greater good and hold criminals accountable would make my career deeply fulfilling.”

Mike Perez, Professor Delfina Najera, and Adam Perez