“Just call me ‘Chico’” trainer Ezequiel Tijerina’s new student told him. “I never learned his name,” Tijerina says, “but I will always remember that student.”
Working in Senior Planet’s San Antonio location, Ezequiel (photo at left) taught members how to use their computers, iPads, cell phones and the like. “With newbies, I start with the basics – things like what an app or a link is, how to open them – all the beginning things,” says Ezequiel. Members ready for more sign up for Senior Planet’s more advanced classes.
Enter Chico
“Chico always brought his own laptop,” Ezequiel remembers. “He had one overriding goal: to talk to and see his grandson serving in Afghanistan.
“I spent extra time with Chico to show him what to do,” Ezquiel recalls, “but I didn’t think much about it. After all, video meetings are pretty ho-hum for me.”
Ezequiel’s “ho-hum” attitude changed in a flash a few days later when Chico came in to the Center bursting with excitement. “I talked to my grandson!” he exulted. “AND I was able to see him, too!”
Birth of a calling
The experience was life-changing for Chico – but life-changing for Ezequiel as well. “In that moment I realized that my job not only enhances, but can even change, a person’s life,” he says. “I’ve seen my work as a trainer in a much, bigger, more meaningful way, ever since.”
Ezequiel’s realization is well understood by psychologist Amy Wrzesniewski, professor at Yale School of Management. Her research shows that people in all positions can view their work primarily as a job, as a career – or as a calling. While there is no right or wrong orientation toward work, Dr. Wrzesniewski found that those with a calling orientation – as Ezequiel’s orientation suddenly became – report higher satisfaction with their lives and their work.
While his previous employment generally involved dealing with the public, Ezequiel’s Senior Planet work teaching people how to use electronics offers a more intense involvement with people…and also special gratification.
“Sometimes I see a student’s eyes widen. What seemed hard at first is suddenly easy. While they don’t say it out loud, I know those big eyes mean ‘Now I get it!’ I get a kick out of it every time I see one of those eye clicks’,” says Ezequiel.
Learning how to use his laptop to see and talk to his grandson in Afghanistan changed Chico’s life – and his grandson’s – in an important way. But seeing first-hand the meaning and importance of the lessons he teaches changed Ezequiel in a significant way, as well.
Photo from Adobe Stock — for illustrative purposes only.
COMMENTS
15 responses to “One Lesson, Three Lives”
I had a Zeke class for the 1st time on Friday, December 12, 2025, Mindfulness Apps.
He was so prepared and had so many examples for us. Every sentence he utters has personality even when you know it has to be the 75th time he has said it. What a beautiful voice and mannerisms. Very good teacher. Thank you!
I discovered Zeke today watching Gardening Apps and Outdoor Apps. I wholeheartedly agree with other’s comments about Zeke. He’s an enthusiastic, engaging and knowledgable presenter. Unfortunately, many AARP introductions & presentations have technical difficulties due to inexperienced presenters. Not with Zeke!
I will watch for more presentations from him on Senior Planet.
My tablet runs really, really slow. Would you be able to help me out and teach me how to get rid of different things on my tablet so that is the speed that. And I can’t afford to take it to a technician because I do not have the funds.
Hi Lorraine. We are sorry to hear about the speed of your tablet. It may be possible to speed up the ability of your device by erasing programs or files. Please reach out to the Senior Planet Hotline for tech support regarding your tech situation. The agents on the hotline will do their best to support your goal. The number to the hotline is 888-713-3495. Agents are available from 9am to 8pm Mon-Fri, as well as Sat from 9am to 2pm.
Hurrah for Zeke!!
He is great for restarting beginners like me. Every one of his many online sessions
help you listen and learn. In fact plan to tune in this afternoon for another opportunity.
Senior Planet and its offerings is really one of the best offerings ever from AARP and
its many co-partners.
Zeke is wonderful!
Zeke’s is a great teacher and I have learned so much from him. He knows each of the subject matters that he is teaching his classes about. He is great to listen to and I love that he brings in the class and talks to all of us as though he knows you and brings you into the conversations. He provides great examples and makes sure you understand what he is talking about and will take the time to show you again if necessary. He is the best.
I am a regular participant of Senior Planet’s Open Mic! How wonderful to have Zeke there to help all of us navigate through our tech problems. Plus his warm, fun personality is a great addition to the shows themselves. Thank you Zeke!
Zeke is the man when it comes to helping senior music performers navigate “original sound” during the SP weekly open mics and songwriters nights. His cheerful fun attitude is appreciated by musicians and audiences!
Love Zeke’s mannerisms. His ability to converse with everyone. He is also very knowledgeable.
Zeke’s is a great teacher and he makes it fun and interesting to learn.
Zeke is awesone, a born teacher! Learn a lot from him and class is always enjoyable. San Antonio is cool, I was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base there in 1983 and took some off base liberty in town. Thanks Zeke and all of the great instructors of AARP/ OATS!!!
Thanks to all the people who helped me at senior planet!
You are all wonderful!!!
G-d Bless You All!!
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I too want to add my comment about how Zeke helped me.
I was having my first Zoom meeting and Zeke prepared me for that. He is patient, relaxed even when he has to explain things over and over again, especially us seniors, well not every senior but I’m speaking for myself. He “held my hand” untiI I was able to connect then we said goodbye.
Zeke has always been there for me and to this day continues to help me. He never gives up on me. Thanks for Zeke I am well on my way to learning how to navigate my computer.
Great story! I’m a new participant to Senior Planet, and I’ve been lucky to be in 2 Zoom sessions with
Ezequiel as the Host. I agree that Ezequiel takes his job seriously, but in a very genuine & caring way. I have really enjoyed his sessions, and I’m always learning a bit more about technology, even though I don’t think I’ll ever understand enough of it bc it’s expanding & becoming so complex . Ezequiel is a great presenter & I hope I get more sessions with him in the near future.
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