MAS Class of 2026 Senior Spotlight: Jose Chacon

Jose Chacon already knows he wants a future in business and in the restaurant industry. That vision started taking shape during his years at Mission Achievement and Success (MAS) Charter School, where he enrolled in August 2018 as a 5th grader and began building the patience and focus that continue to guide him.

Outside of school, Jose enjoys working on cars, cooking, and spending time with family and friends while exploring new places. He also likes going on walks. He says these activities help him destress in a positive way, use his time well, and maintain a good perspective. They have also helped him develop patience.

When Jose looks back on his time at MAS, he remembers the teachers and operations staff who supported him and made the school feel welcoming. He appreciated that they were relatable, gave helpful advice, and encouraged him along the way. He also enjoyed the early dismissal schedule in high school, the positive environment on campus, and even the salad bar at lunch, which he said was one of his favorite parts of the school day.

“What I liked best about attending MAS was the supportive staff, who were relatable, gave good advice, and always encouraged me.”

Jose’s advice to incoming freshmen reflects the steady mindset he developed during high school. He encourages students to focus on their own goals and avoid negative influences. He also believes it is important to stay patient and treat yourself and others with love.

One of the biggest life lessons Jose says he learned in high school is the importance of controlling his emotions and not letting other people push him into bad decisions. He also learned to choose friends carefully. In Jose’s view, true friends are honest with you, even when the truth is difficult to hear.

“True friends are the ones who will be honest with you, even when it’s not what you want to hear.”

After graduation, Jose plans to attend Central New Mexico Community College to begin studying business management. He then plans to continue at The University of New Mexico to complete his bachelor’s degree. Looking ahead ten years, Jose sees himself finishing his studies and becoming a restaurateur with businesses of his own. He also plans to be in a position to support his family financially and start a family of his own.

Jose says he admires both his father and his brother because they have guided him and helped shape the person he is today. Their support continues to motivate him to work hard and stay focused on the future he wants to create.

When it comes to food, Jose has a clear favorite. He loves Pacific Paradise (3000 San Pedro Dr NE), where he always orders the New Mexico Roll and chicken fried rice.

As he reflects on his high school journey, Jose says many people influenced him along the way, and he deeply appreciates each of them. He hopes that one day he will be able to give back and make a positive impact on others in the same way people impacted him. He also wants to wish everyone the very best moving forward.

With a thoughtful outlook and clear goals for the future, Jose leaves MAS ready to take what he has learned into the next chapter of his life.