Luis
“In the darkest times, hope is something you give yourself. That is the meaning of inner strength” -Iroh, Book 2, Episode 5 ( Avatar day)
Age:
23
Pronouns:
He/Him/His
Gender Identity:
Cis Male
Ethnic Background:
Latino
County:
Ventura
Family & Household
How many siblings do you have, and where do you fall in terms of birth order?
1, I’m the oldest and younger sister is 15.
What type of living arrangement did you have during your childhood (e.g., nuclear family, single-parent household, foster care)?
I lived in with my mother and alcoholic dad. Then, we became a single household with my mother being in charge.
Did you experience any significant changes in your family structure during your childhood (e.g., divorce, separation)?
My parents divorced when I was in high school.
Coping Mechanisms
How do you cope with stress or difficult situations?
Exercise, nature, and building healthy friendship helps me deal with stress
Have you received professional help or counseling for any challenges you’ve faced?
My last year of college, I went to therapy and changed how I approach conflict and deal with anxiety / stress.
Are there any positive role models or supportive individuals who have influenced your life positively?
I’ve had mentors that have been a good support system and guided me throughout my personal / academic life.
Educational & Employment
What is your current education or career path?
I’m working to become a product manager and eventually a business owner.
Have your ACEs influenced your academic or career choices?
It has forced me to be a high functioning person with anxiety and focus only on school + career. It has allowed me to succeed but put intense pressure to be perfect growing up, I’m learning to let go and follow the flow.
Social Support
Do you and your friends feel comfortable discussing mental health topics openly?
It took me a while but now I have built relationships with friends that acknowledge my emotional & able to create spaces for conversation.
What actions or behaviors help create a supportive environment among your friends?
I’ve been putting myself in environment where I can have geniune conversations, working out + running with friends, and journaling to process my thoughts.
Future Aspirations
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
I want to create powerful and meaningful connections with people, helping to change people’s life to make their futures change, and create a successful business.
What is one thing you want to do or accomplish? (This could be learning a new skill, visting a new place, something related to school/work/life/relationship)
I want to create a mentorship + scholarship foundation helping to get first-gen low-income Latino students get to college. I also want to travel and experience all the world for the different perspectives.