Imagine you were the valedictorian of your high school senior class. What do you do for an encore? Heritage valedictorians from 1988 and 1992 have demonstrated that being the best at what they do became part of their lifestyle. While following two very different career paths, Gustavo Trujillo, ‘88, and Jason Haffizulla, ‘92, both have met with success in their chosen fields, as well as their personal lives. And both have entrusted Heritage to provide an education for their children.
Upon graduation, Gustavo attended the University of Miami where he earned B.S. degrees in both Civil Engineering (once again, as valedictorian) and Architectural Engineering (cum laude). He then received an MBA in Finance and International Business. Jason Haffizulla also attended the University of Miami, entering the school of Medicine in 1996. He met his wife, Dr. Farzanna Haffizulla, at UM, and they were married in their first year at school. Both he and his wife earned their MD degrees in 2000 and both obtained their Internal Medicine Certification from Cleveland Clinic Florida. They have four children (three at Heritage), Zarina, grade six; Anisa, grade two; Nadia, Kindergarten and Adam, five months old.
Jason has developed his medical practice in Tamarac and resides in Coral Springs. He is a real enthusiast of what South Florida offers. “It is my home. The weather, the energy, the diverse cultures, the people, everything. I hope never to leave.” While Gustavo and his family have settled down in Weston, he and his wife of 15 years, Dominique Bastos, did some wandering after college. From 1996 to 2004, they lived and worked in Europe, Central and South America, Hong Kong and Boston and New York. When their daughter Chloe was born, they decided to come back “home.” Gustavo is an Independent Consultant-Systems Integration and Telecommunications Program Manager for American Express and FPL.
Of his hobbies and interests, Jason explains, “I am interested in soccer.
I exercise regularly. I love traveling with my wife and children. We are currently exploring National Parks. I would also consider medicine ‘my hobby’ in addition to my work. I enjoy taking care of my patients, and it gives me a deep sense of joy and satisfaction to see them. I am humbled by their trust and faith in me, I truly appreciate it...there are no words.” Thanks to Mr. Usher, Jason also developed an appreciation for theatre while at Heritage and mentions that he was one of only two light/sound men for Heritage plays. Those were the days when a portable stage in the gym or a makeshift theatre-in-the-round in the old “quad” served as staging areas.
Gustavo states, “One of the great things of AHS...we all had opportunities to pursue any interest we wanted (be it academic or athletic). Teachers and coaches always encouraged me to sign up for additional classes and try out for different teams. Because of this, not only did I go very well prepared to college, but now, as an adult, I very much enjoy pursuing new opportunities at work or learning a new hobby.” Gustavo established a family tradition about 10 years ago, when he was determined to try running the New York City Marathon. He ran in costume and has every year since, running as Elvis, a horse, a grandma, a gecko and a Santa, to name a few of his “ running suits.” |
