mariolvazquez

Frequently Asked Questions

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Cidra, Puerto Rico. My parents were born and grew up in Cidra, specifically on the same street where my grandparents lived.

2. Which schools did you attend?

In Cidra, I attended Luis Muñoz Rivera Elementary School, Jesus T. Piñero Middle School, and Ana J. Candelas High School. I then attended Central Texas College, Southern Connecticut State University, and Barry University for my college education and received a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University.

3. Did you enjoy school?

Yes, that’s a big yes. I enjoyed learning something new every day in school. My favorite subject was art because I was naturally drawn to it. I always looked forward to my art class.

4. Do you remember any teachers who inspired you?

My high school Spanish teacher, Ms. Rodriguez, inspired me to continue reading books, and Mr. Muñoz, my art teacher, encouraged my creativity. Both had a lasting impact on me even after high school.

5. What is your favorite book?

Of all the books I’ve read, my favorite is Don Quixote de La Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes.

6. Who is your favorite artist?

I don't have a specific favorite; I enjoy many artists, including Norman Rockwell, Ansel Adams, Faith Ringgold, Maya Lin, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Diego Rivera. Just to name a few, but I enjoy many others.

7. What’s your favorite color?

Black is my favorite color, but I also enjoy the color green.

8. Where do you get your inspiration from?

I gather inspiration from everywhere. I get inspired by the places I visit, the people I meet, and my travels. There is inspiration in everything around us. Even the birds chirping outside my window have inspired me to create.

9. Do you remember the first movie that impacted you?

Yes, I remember being touched when I watched E.T. in the theaters with my mom and brother. I also enjoyed the adventures in the Indiana Jones movies and loved watching the Gremlins.

10. What inspired you to become a writer?

I read books during my downtime, and the stories stayed with me. They also inspired me to share my own stories with my students.

11. What inspired you to join the military?

I was inspired by many of my family members who joined the military. I joined the National Guard at 17 years old then the U.S. Army to help pay for my college expenses and travel. I received all that and more, including unforgettable life experiences.

12. Do you have any writing tips for an aspiring author?

Read as many books as possible. Learn from many other topics, not only the ones that interest you. Don’t see writing as a chore; you must enjoy it. It’s like driving a car; the more you drive, the better you get at it.

13. Who are your favorite authors?

There are a lot of them. Roald Dahl, Neil Gaiman, Stephen King, Guillermo del Toro, Cornelia Funke, Nicholas Sparks, Isabel Allende, Gabriel García Márquez, and Miguel de Cervantes, to name a few.

14. What inspired you to become a teacher?

I have always enjoyed learning and wanted to stay in that environment. What better place than a school? Students of all ages inspire me to share my knowledge, especially when teaching about the arts.

15. What has been the proudest moment in your career?

When I taught high school art, I received the Teacher of the Year award, and I was elated. It’s like winning a Grammy Award, but for teachers. Your peers nominate you and vote based on your commitment to teaching excellence and contributions to the students and the school. Also, seeing many of my students win awards in competitions and pass their AP art exams made me proud.

16. Who or what inspired you to write your first book?

My students inspired me to write The Color of My Paint. Everyone has a story; we often forget who inspired us, our childhood experiences, and our triumphs and challenges. It’s a short storybook about my childhood experiences that helped shape my path in life.

17. Do you have plans to write more books?

Yes, I’m currently writing a fantasy series for young adults. I hope students and everyone who reads it enjoy the stories. I look forward to reading their honest feedback.

18. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Besides writing and taking many photographs, I enjoy traveling and nature. The beach is my favorite place. It’s peaceful and relaxing in the morning time.

19. What’s on your bucket list?

One day, I want to visit Machu Picchu and the Amazon Forest, as well as Africa, Madagascar, and the Galapagos islands. I love nature, and those are beautiful places to learn from and enjoy.

20. Any advice you want to share with others?

Enjoy life, read many books, travel, and be creative. Books take you places you can only imagine. Traveling is like a classroom with no closed doors to the world. Learn as much as possible by attending school, college, or a university. Become an expert at something and passionate about your career of choice. Then, share your knowledge with your family, loved ones, and others. We all learn from each other and need different perspectives to support one another. Remember, we all have something unique to contribute to the world until we leave this planet.

Photo below: U.S. Army, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Age 17

Note to students: Mario receives hundreds of emails and requests, and it would be impossible to respond to them promptly. He will post the answers to repeated interview questions in the FAQ area. Please use the FAQ area for homework, term papers, student/author interviews, or other school projects. Additionally, when he is traveling, he may have limited internet access. If you are seeking recommended books to read on a specific topic, please visit your school or local library and seek advice from a librarian, or Click Here to Ask a Librarian. We hope this information was helpful. Best of luck in school.