Southside Spotlight: Abraham Moreno

Abraham Moreno was born and raised in South San Antonio, Texas, and continues to call the Southside home. Living on the border of Southside and Southtown, Abraham fondly refers to his neighborhood as the inner city, a place filled with rich culture and community spirit.

Abraham’s professional journey began in 2003 when he began his teaching career. Over the next 21 years, he embraced various roles, including early childhood teacher, administrator, counselor, and adjunct professor. Though he recently retired from education, Abraham remains dedicated to serving his community by volunteering in kindergarten classrooms. He is an adjunct professor of early childhood studies at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, where he aims to inspire the next generation of educators. In addition to his academic endeavors, Abraham is on a book tour promoting his second novel, River City Rage.

Abraham’s journey took an unexpected turn when he initially planned to serve San Antonio as a police officer, hoping to become a detective. However, at the urging of his sister, he applied for a position teaching Pre-K at Head Start. This pivotal moment set him on a path he never anticipated but grew to love. While teaching, he also nurtured his passion for writing, completing two novels and further deepening his commitment to literature after retiring from education.

Like many educators, Abraham encountered significant challenges during his career, mainly when teaching kindergarten during the pandemic. The education system faces a critical period post-COVID, leading to many teachers leaving. Recognizing these issues, he shares his experiences with students at Texas A&M University to prepare them for the realities of teaching today.

In his writing career, he struggled with trust in publishing. After disappointing experiences with two hybrid publishers, he turned to self-publishing. He aims to help others navigate the publishing landscape, empowering aspiring authors to share their stories without fear of exploitation.

Throughout his journey, Abraham has met incredible people who have enriched his life through teaching or book signings. He acknowledges the blessings of diverse opportunities—from becoming a licensed insurance agent to appearing as an extra in local films. Above all, he credits God for guiding him through his life’s challenges, believing that surrendering to faith has brought him farther than he could have gone alone.

Abraham takes pride in his passionate approach to life and work. His unwavering hope and loyalty shape his relationships, making him a dedicated friend and mentor. His commitment to nurturing those around him reflects his belief in the importance of community and connection.

Inspired by fictional characters like Superman and Indiana Jones, Abraham has always aspired to make a difference. His mission is clear: to inspire and guide others, particularly young people, towards their goals and dreams.

Abraham welcomes collaboration in various capacities. He offers mentorship for early childhood educators and financial planning guidance, particularly for teachers preparing for retirement. Aspiring writers can also seek his advice on improving their craft and navigating the publishing world. He enjoys motivational speaking engagements at local schools, aiming to inspire the next generation.

Despite his accomplishments, Abraham holds onto his childlike wonder. He finds joy in visiting the toy section of stores, revealing a playful spirit that resonates with his inner child. Abraham reminds readers, “It doesn’t matter how hard you fall; how you respond doesn’t matter. No matter how horrible things can get, something positive always emerges.” His journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of community. As he continues to inspire and uplift those around him, he proves that with passion and dedication, anything is possible.

Readers can support Abraham by following him on social media and purchasing his novels, Baptism of Fire and River City Rage, available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and local book signings throughout San Antonio.

Instagram: @author_abraham_moreno
Facebook: Author Abraham Moreno
Website: Abraham-Moreno.com