- What was your most memorable Rotary service project? "Under the bridge" is one of my favorite service projects. "Under the bridge" is a non-profit run by our club member at the Pearl, Johnathan Holler, and his parents. Every Sunday they feed Homeless people. It takes a lot of time and team effort coordinating everyone.
We try to get all the young people involved. Its very rewarding to see how grateful the people are. They are always happy to see us and treat us equally with respect.
2. What part of your cultural heritage are you most proud of?
My Father raised me as a proud American of Mexican descent. He came from a large family of 12. He was born in Monterey, Mexico. My grandmother was born in New Braunfels, Texas. They grew up poor on San Antonio's west side. The house they grew up in was rich with culture, family, and friends. One of my uncles is Jesse Trevino. He's known for being a disabled Vietnam veteran, and his larger than life murals in downtown San Antonio. Jesse lost his battle with cancer this year. More about my uncle’s life, art, and family can be found in a recent hour-long PBS special or his newly published biography by Anthony Head.
3. What was the most important professional decision you made?
The most important decision I made so far in my young adult life is probably stepping away from mechanical engineering at UTSA to focus on my mental health and property management. I think it's important to do what you love. I don't think young people get enough time to reflect on where they want their life to head. I think Art therapy helped me a lot with mental health. After UTSA I helped my parents out more. We manage rental properties. We have a nice beach house in Rockport, TX. I'm looking forward to taking ceramics classes in the new art museum when I get some time. I've always helped my parents manage property. Right now, my life revolves around managing and developing these properties. In 2016 we developed an empty lot into a multi-family duplex.