Introducing, Julio!

Introducing the E4FC Staff!

Julio, a Master in Education. Circa May 2013.

This Friday Marks the second week since first releasing our staff profiles! At E4FC most of our programs were created and are run by undocumented college graduates with the help of committed allies. Learn more about who we are and what we do!

This week's lucky staff member is our Creative Writing Program Coordinator.

Full name: Julio Narcizo Navarrete Rodriguez. Learn more here.

Birth place: Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México

Birth date: 10/14/1984

Hometown: San José, CA

High School: Yerba Buena High School

College: San Jose State University for my undergrad, The National Hispanic University for my masters.

Books or movies? 

Books! They say those who read books live a many lives. Books stimulate creativity and mental health.

Chocolate or vanilla? 

Both! But if I had to choose, I would pick french vanilla (ice-cream).

Winter or summer? 

Summer! Such beautiful weather and there are so many things to do!

Crushed ice or cubed ice? 

I don't usually have ice, but either is fine with me.

Pancakes or waffles? 

Both - tho I eat pancakes most often.

Sunrise or sunset? 

Sunset. I'm not usually awake to witness the sun rising, but I love the many shades of pinks, purples and yellows that coat the sky during a sunset. 

Julio, Mario and Denisse with Jorge Ramos, a donor of our Scholarship and National Creativity contest. No Big Deal.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

How did you become involved and interested in the undocumented/ DREAMER movement?  I became involved in the immigration rights movement when I lost my job as a high school Spanish teacher. That was the moment in which I realized that my silence would no longer protect me. Up until then, I felt that the support I was giving my students fulfilled my desire to create positive change, which was true, but I learned that I could do much more!

Julio and fam spending invaluable time together. Is that a custom t-shirt?

How did you become involved with E4FC? I first learned about E4FC when I was accepted into the Dream Summer internship program in the summer of 2011. I joined E4FC's creative writing program and immediately became immersed into the community here. I honestly believe that E4FC changed my life, because it allowed me to process, heal from and share my experiences. It also allowed me to find a supporting community of brave undocumented individuals who have become my second family.

What do you do at E4FC? I coordinate the creative writing program. I also oversee our creativity website- www.thingsillneversay.org

What has been the most rewarding experience at your position in E4FC?            The most rewarding experiences at E4FC have been the times that I've presented my story for educators, students, allies, and other groups. Each time, I feel a strong connection with the audience, and in a way, it feels like we all share something that bonds us. More specifically, being able to return to the high school campus where I once taught, and share my personal experiences with other undocumented students has brought me closure, empowerment, and inspiration.

How has E4FC made you grow personally and professionally? E4FC has helped me develop my skills as a writer and public speaker. I've also learned to incorporate my various passions and talents, such as teaching, video production, and storytelling, into the work that I do. I've also made connections with people that will last a lifetime.What is your favorite movie of all time? Why so? I find it difficult to answer these type of questions. I consider myself a person who is constantly growing and whose views and tastes are constantly changing. However, I mostly enjoy foreign films or independent films that deal with issues of social (in)justice. Some examples include, Voces Inocentes, Machuca, Bordertown, Mala Educación, Boys Don't Cry, María Llena Eres de Gracia, among others.

Toy Soldiers

What is your earliest memory of being in the US?
 Perhaps one of the earliest memories would be of my first friend in the U.S., Kyle. You can read that story here.

Read more about Julio's Bio here!