John Gonzalez was born in a small town of 12,000 people in the highlands of Mexico. At age 13, his family immigrated to the U.S., hoping he would forge a solid future for himself. Gonzalez always remembered why his parents decided to leave their home country and the sacrifices they made while uprooting the family. He learned English and French and earned several degrees, including a doctorate in educational leadership from UCLA. After receiving his doctorate, Gonzalez was appointed American Council on Education Fellow. He has worked in academic positions from middle to graduate school in the U.S. He lived in South Korea for five years, where he worked at an American school as a Spanish and English teacher and academic counselor. After completing his assignment, he was offered the position of school principal. While living in Korea, he immersed himself in the culture. He chose to write SOUTH KOREA: The Price of Efficiency and Success to express his gratitude to the Korean people. Gonzalez enjoys traveling, spiritual retreats, and meeting people from all walks of life. In his spare time, he volunteers to teach yoga and meditation in the community.