October 19, 2024 - Great People BX - Feature 1

**Jonathan Berenguer: From Tragedy to Triumph as a Bronx Educator and Advocate**

Jonathan Berenguer’s life has been shaped by profound loss, tragedy, and resilience, forging him into a compassionate and dedicated educator in the Bronx. Now 29, Berenguer’s story is one of turning personal hardship into a lifelong mission to empower students from disadvantaged backgrounds. As a nominee for the Daily News’ Hometown Heroes award, his journey speaks to the power of perseverance, service, and the drive to uplift those around him.

Early Life: A Childhood Defined by Loss

Berenguer's life began with heartbreak. When he was just a month old, his mother was allegedly killed by a spurned boyfriend. The exact details surrounding her death remain a mystery, but the loss would be the first of many. Just five years later, his father was murdered, leaving Berenguer and his older sister Carmen orphans. Taken in by their maternal grandparents, they found solace for a few years, but tragedy struck again when his grandfather died, leaving 10-year-old Berenguer to assume the role of the man of the house.

This series of devastating losses would break many, but for Berenguer, it ignited a sense of responsibility and purpose. At such a young age, he found himself caring for his grandmother and sister, a role that would later inform his dedication to helping others.

Discovering His Calling in Education

Berenguer’s first taste of his future career came when he was in the eighth grade. His math teacher noticed a spark in him, asking him to help fellow classmates who were struggling. The moment one of his peers thanked him for clarifying a difficult concept, something clicked inside Berenguer. That simple exchange fueled his desire to make a difference in others' lives through education. “That changed my life,” Berenguer recalls. “At that moment, I knew I wanted to be an educator.”

Growing up in the Bronx’s Grand Concourse area, Berenguer was all too familiar with the lack of resources available to students in his community. He committed himself to changing that, vowing to be a resource for those who needed it most.

Paving a Path to Success

At 18, Berenguer earned a full scholarship to CUNY’s Lehman College in the Bronx, where he studied to become a math teacher. During his time at Lehman, he founded a tutoring company, helping younger students in his neighborhood. This initiative not only underscored his entrepreneurial spirit but also his commitment to lifting up those around him.

While pursuing his master’s degree, Berenguer became involved in TRIO, a federal program that supports low-income students in their pursuit of higher education. His work as a math SAT tutor and counselor led him to mentor hundreds of students across several Bronx schools, including Pelham Preparatory Academy. Today, he serves as a TRIO project director at Lehman College, where he continues to inspire and guide students toward brighter futures.

A Guiding Light for Bronx Youth

For many students, Berenguer is more than just a counselor or teacher — he is a mentor and a beacon of hope. His personal experience with loss and adversity allows him to connect deeply with the students he serves. “I know what it is to feel abandoned, and so I strive to make all students feel welcomed and accepted,” Berenguer says. His understanding of the challenges that come with growing up with limited resources drives him to teach students how to succeed and break out of cycles of poverty.

One of his students, Leslie Vasquez, a recent valedictorian from Pelham Preparatory Academy, credits Berenguer with helping her and her peers stay on track. Vasquez, who nominated Berenguer for the Hometown Heroes award, was inspired by his passion for helping students navigate their educational journeys. “He gave me the advice I needed when I had no one to give it to me,” Vasquez said, highlighting how Berenguer was instrumental in turning around the lives of students headed down difficult paths.

A Hero Among Heroes

Despite the accolades and recognition he has received, Berenguer remains humble, attributing his motivation to the very students he helps. “When I see Bronx kids, I can see the poverty and I can see the struggle,” he says. “But at the same time, you see the potential, the creativity, the eagerness to succeed and to be somebody — and that right there is the most beautiful thing for me.”

For Jonathan Berenguer, his work is not just about guiding students academically; it’s about making them feel valued and supported, something he longed for during his own tumultuous childhood. His mission is to be the resource he never had, to offer the guidance and care he wished for during his own struggles. And in doing so, he continues to inspire a new generation of Bronx students, showing them that no matter the challenges they face, they too can rise above and become their own heroes.

Berenguer’s life, marked by resilience and a deep commitment to his community, is a testament to the transformative power of education and mentorship. He has turned his own tragedies into a force for good, ensuring that students from disadvantaged backgrounds have the tools and support they need to thrive. For that, he is a true Hometown Hero.