Lost and Found: A Journey to True Passion
Moises Cardenas, Nativity Prep Class of 2014, has always had a sense of humor that has gotten him something, either in trouble or high praise. As the youngest of two, Moises has always loved bringing people together with smiles and laughter. For as long as he can remember, he has carried the title of “Class Clown” proudly and loudly. Living down the street from Nativity’s first campus on Market Street, Moises’ family became a part of the Nativity family in the early years of the school’s life. The attendance of Moises’ older brother, Marco Cardenas, NPA ‘08, allowed Moises an insider view before enrolling in the program himself. Moises shared, “I have vivid memories of my brother bringing me to campus and allowing me to participate in school events. I learned from a young age that the school was very welcoming and family-oriented.” He knew before enrolling of the strenuous work that would be required of him, academically and personally.
As Moises was about to begin his 11-year commitment with Nativity, he was intimidated by the strict teachers, extended days, and daily uniform use. He had attended Saturday catechism classes but had never been in a continuously religious educational setting. Moises knew from his first day, that his time at Nativity would bring him challenges and growth. “One of the things I will always remember are handshakes. So many handshakes. Mr. Brendan Sullivan would have us re-do our handshakes if not done properly.” Nativity is more than just a middle school preparing students for college, it is an academy to prepare young children for life. There are many life skills that Moises can confidently credit Nativity with instilling in him; professional mannerisms, knowing how to tie a necktie, many life lessons and of course, giving a proper handshake.
Moises’ time at Nativity was filled with good memories with his peers, many of which earned him time in detention. “ My teachers at Nativity never failed to shut down my misconduct instantly whenever it happened. But they also never failed to recognize something that set me apart.” Moises would be constantly praised for his writing skills. He always enjoyed participating in English class and learning new writing techniques that he still utilizes today. One of the highlights of Moises’ time at Nativity was his participation in the Science Olympiad Club. There, he was first introduced to the world of STEM and the endless possible opportunities within that industry. Despite being a jokester, Moises was studious and took his education seriously.
Once introduced to the world of STEM, he fell deep into the rabbit hole of learning and exploring the sciences. With his love for learning and newfound interest in science, Moises was able to keep himself entertained within the industry.
As he continued his 11-year journey at Mater Dei Catholic High School, Moises was excited about the opportunities the new environment would offer. When he became aware of Academy of Science within Mater Dei Catholic, he jumped at the chance to be a part of a comprehensive program that would challenge him in the STEM field. With his combined experience of the Science Olympia Club at NPA and the Academy of Science at MDCHS, Moises didn’t question what field he would enroll in once he entered college.
As his time at Mater Dei came to an end, Moises was unsure of what his next step would be. Wanting to make his parents proud, Moises decided to enroll in Cal Poly Pomona, studying Environmental Engineering.
After completing his first two years at Cal Poly Pomona, Moises quickly realized something was missing in his career, passion. He had always been talented at STEM but he wasn’t passionate about it, his studies were starting to feel like a chore. In 2020, with the world going into lockdown, Moises decided to return home, take a break and reset. He wasn’t content in his field and knew that there was more out there for him, he was not ready to settle. He knew it was not going to be an easy journey but he took the road less traveled. Moises shared, “I didn’t know where to start. But Nativity was there to catch me when I fell.” With the guidance and support of Mrs. Josie Alvarez, former Assistant Director of Graduate Support, Moises was able to get his head together and plan for the future he wanted. In 2021, he decided to resume his studies at San Diego City College and begin his search for the perfect career match.
He reverted back to the resources that were offered to him, by Nativity Prep’s Graduate Support Program, a couple of years back when he was first enrolling into college. He recalls utilizing the Myers-Briggs Personality Test to help him better understand who he was as an individual and what areas he would most excel in. From the results of the personality test, Moises picked out several careers he found interesting; counseling, nursing, architecture, and filmmaking. With the help of Mrs. Maria Power, a GSP teacher, he was able to organize and conduct informational interviews to get a better understanding of what each of the selected careers entailed.
It was during his last interview where Moises finally felt the spark. Since the moment he started talking to Cy Kuckenbaker, SD City College film professor, he was captivated by everything the professor had to share. He had already been testing the waters in different industries, so it was easy for Moises to take a leap of faith and enroll in film and photography classes. This new journey came to bloom in a low-pressure environment, allowing Moises the space to explore photography and videography. After Moises obtained his associate’s degree at City College, he transferred to CSU Long Beach where he began studying Film Directing and Production.
Moises quickly started to meet many people from within the film industry, many of whom provide helpful advice on his goals and passions. Moises knew he made the right decision after noticing the pleasure he took in the business of it all; “From the start, it has been hard and a lot of work, but I don’t mind it. Being busy is a good thing and even more now that I enjoy what I am doing.” As he has been learning and growing in the film industry, Moises has been able to incorporate film into his life in various ways. He has since started his own freelance photography business, capturing special moments for big events. Last summer was filled with achievements for Moises’ film journey. One of his films was nominated for the “Best Student Film” at the 2023 San Diego Film Awards. He also worked for the Media Arts Center of San Diego, as a middle school teaching assistant for their summer program, and got to be a film critic. All while working at Cal State Long Beach on the Student Affairs team, helping them capture the school through a student lens as a photographer/videographer.
Moises made time in his busy schedule to lead our GSP students on a college visit around CSU Long Beach. Having our college students connect with our high school students and give back to the community that helped shape them, demonstrates the impact Nativity has had on many of our student’s lives. Moises shares, “Every accomplishment I’ve ever made and will make, I can confidently and wholeheartedly credit to Nativity.” As Moises pursues his degree in Film Directing and Production, he can look back at his journey and honor Nativity for helping him go from a lost young boy to a confident and determined young man.
Moises’ journey is not a conventional one, but his setbacks allowed him to reconnect with his true passion and led him to a dream. Moises shares, “The dream is to be the show-runner of my own comedy TV series. I have been talking to many producers and writers and they all state the same thing. ‘You have to start at the bottom and work your way up,’ so that’s what I have been doing.”
Moises has been applying to numerous studios, such as Dreamworks, Fox, and Sony, for a developmental internship, where he hopes to analyze scripts and pilots along with assisting on set. Moises knows the journey ahead won’t always be easy, but with resources and skills instilled in him with the aid of Nativity, Moises has become a perseverant, resolute young professional ready to pursue his goals!
