[Editor’s note: This story was written by Fairfield High School senior Zoe Soares, who is job shadowing Southeast Iowa Union Editor Andy Hallman as part of a work-study program through the school.]

Andrew Carbajal is in his first year as Fairfield High School’s new associate principal. Though born in Denver, Carbajal spent most of his early life in Camanche, Iowa. He knew very early in life that he wanted to join the military. Following in his great-grandfather’s footsteps, he ended up enlisting in the U.S. Army straight out of high school.

Carbajal’s grandfather was in the U.S Navy, but Carbajal did not want to follow that path, because he was claustrophobic. However, they were very close, and his grandfather was a big motivator for Carbajal to join the Army.

“My grandfather, who I spent most of my time with, was probably the biggest father figure in my life,” said Carbajal.

After suffering extensive injuries, he had to leave the Army, and it was hard to get back to civilian life and figure out what to do next. Ultimately, it was in teaching that he found his next passion. Moving back to Camanche and teaching at the high school he attended, he had the opportunity to help with special education children. He found he had a special skill for it, and this is what led him to pursue multiple teaching degrees, and teach at many middle and high schools in Iowa.

“I wanted to specialize in special education because I understood how it was hard for me to learn after a brain injury,” said Carbajal.

ENLISTING IN THE ARMY

Shortly after graduating from Camanche High School in Iowa in 2005, Carbajal decided to pursue being a combat medic. He was stationed in Iraq for 15 months, and in the Army for a total of four years. During his deployment, he suffered a traumatic brain injury and multiple gunshot wounds that put him in the hospital for many months. Carbajal explains that to him, the mental aftermath was more difficult to get over than the physical - in fact, he may never fully get over it. Carbajal’s injuries were so severe that doctors told him he wouldn’t be able to learn past the high school level. But Carbajal took that as a challenge. He has learned how to deal with these difficulties, and even believes he is stronger because of it.

“I was very motivated, one because somebody told me I couldn’t do something,” said Carbajal. “You kind of have that chip on your shoulder. The other part is I wanted to make a difference in lives.”

He is now able to enjoy his life and find joy in his day-to-day activities.

FAMILY TIME

One way in which he’s able to do this is by spending time with his wife, Breanna, and their seven children. Family is something very important to Carbajal. Though it can be hard to balance his work load with family time, he has a few rules for himself he always keeps in mind to keep his family tight-knit. For example, when eating meals, their rule is to always eat at the table together. He also mentioned that they are trying to give fewer physical gifts to each other, and just spend more time together, staying away from materialistic things. All in all, it’s about having quality time together.

Carbajal also mentioned that he never lets work get in the way of his family.

“I don’t bring work home,” said Carbajal. “My family will never see me do the work. I’ll stay up two hours later, or I’ll wake up two hours earlier. Because I was in the military, I can run on 4-6 hours of sleep if needed.”

ACQUIRING SKILLS

On top of his demanding job, Carbajal has worked for many different degrees and certificates throughout his life including a master’s degree from Western Kentucky University in athletic administration and coaching. Currently, he’s finishing up his superintendency courses at UNI. Carbajal believes that even though he probably won’t go into these professions, having skills required for different jobs contributes to a more well-rounded person, and someone equipped to help in any situation.

After working in Washington, Iowa, where he currently resides, he felt a pull to work at Fairfield High School. This is because he could see that the town and school had been through a lot, and he felt he could help work through these tragedies.

“I think high school students, really understanding them, gets my fire going because they’re so close to being an adult,” said Carbajal. “That’s when they need the most support.”

Upon his arrival to FHS, the school had a very welcoming and understanding atmosphere, and he knew he made the right choice.