Candidate for
Board Member; East Side Union High School District

This is My Story

I am a goal-oriented and solutions-driven individual who has been working in the non-profit sector to improve the quality of life in our community.

Born and raised in South San Jose, I am a graduate of the Oak Grove School District. I attended local public schools, including Hayes Elementary, Sakamoto, and Herman Intermediate. During my youth, I was able to participate in the City of San Jose's Work Experience Program (WEP) which allowed me to get a first hand look at being involved within the community. After this particular experience, I decided to dedicate my life to public and community service. In high school, I was able to serve on the City of San Jose Youth Commission to help address the issues and concerns of youth. I worked on community issues that particularly affected youth, including domestic violence, relationship abuse, zero-tolerance for hate, as well as the addition of skate parks, youth programs and other social services. Throughout my time on this City Commission, I came to appreciate the diverse assets of youth in the community.

After graduating from high school, I studied at Santa Clara University to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. Throughout my education, I witnessed the need for youth to become more active and engaged in the community. This lead me to join the Volunteer Center of Silicon Valley; first as a volunteer, and then as an employee. It was around this time that I became interested in pursuing further education. I returned to San Jose State University to pursue a Master's In Public Administration (MPA), which I am currently completing.

My experiences as a student and as a social worker at a non-profit allowed me to be involved in numerous community based and faith based organizations, schools, and non-profits. Realizing the role education played in providing the skills necessary to be involved, I started to turn my focus and time on educational issues.

I believe that the East Side Union High School District should be a district of choice, and that every student should have every resource and opportunity needed to succeed. In order to do that, we must work together and find creative solutions, new collaborations and work to support the youth in our community.

I would be honored and humbled to have your support.

For more information, please visit http://www.timothytom.com