"Believe in yourself. Ask for help. You are already a super hero."
I am a true believer that sharing our stories deeply transforms us, changes the narrative of our community, and heals the world. The #Shareyourstory series is dedicated in highlighting diverse stories of Latinx individuals making a significant difference in their community. To kick off this series I wanted to highlight my colleagues, Roberto Aguilar. Roberto is an every day hero who works tireless to support students at a local high school in Portland, Oregon.
Preferred Pronouns:He
Work Title:School Counselor
Favorite Quote: “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” -Unknown author
Who is Roberto? I am proud to be the son of Tejano migrant parents who traveled from Texas, up the west cost and through the Willamette Valley, over to the Treasure Valley of Idaho to Ontario, Oregon where I was born and raised. From their struggles I have learned that hard work & service are the keys to success and that family & education is everything. For these reasons I have chosen a career path where I give everything I can to the community so that my children will have every opportunity to realize their dreams.
Did you attend college? If so, how did that impact your life? Yes. I started out attending a small private college so that I could fulfill my dream of playing college soccer. However, after one year, I transferred to the University of Oregon and cherished that experience. My involvement in MEChA and Student Government fostered a passion for social justice and the opportunity to Study Abroad helped me learn how to be a global citizen. I did not know much about these organizations or ideas prior to attending the University of Oregon but I make certain to inform student about these wonderful opportunities.
What has been the biggest challenge(s) you have had to overcome? I believe that the biggest challenge has been realizing that I am good enough the way that I am. I have the power to help change the world for the better. When I was younger I felt the pressure of not being a“Real Mexican”because I was not born in Mexico and I did not speak Spanish (though I understood it). Meanwhile, I know that I am not “white” and that I didn’t fit in. This left me in a constant emotional state of not belonging and not being accepted. It’s a challenge that still effects me today and it’s an issue that I believe effects many Latinos, young and more mature.
What is the one thing you are working on daily? Two things. Operate in the “present” and live a health/fit lifestyle. I do this in hopes that I can live a long life taking care of my family.
One piece of advice you wish someone would have given you during college or professional career? Believe in yourself. Ask for help. You are already a super hero.
What is your favorite kind of coffee? Vanilla Chai
En Solidaridad,
Araceli
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