Undocumented E1: Somos Fiel; One Family One Dream

Fighting for justice. Fighting for Fighting for justice. Fighting for justice. justice. justice. >> And for liberation. And >> And for liberation. And >> And for liberation. And >> for liberation. >> Well, hello. My name is Abraham >> Well, hello. My name is Abraham Espinosa. I am director of educa higher Espinosa. I am director of educa higher Espinosa. I am director of educa higher education for FIA Houston. Uh welcome. education for FIA Houston. Uh welcome. education for FIA Houston. Uh welcome. This actually is something that we have This actually is something that we have This actually is something that we have been wanting to do for a very long time. been wanting to do for a very long time. been wanting to do for a very long time. I have wanting to do this for a very I have wanting to do this for a very I have wanting to do this for a very long time. Um so without further ado, long time. Um so without further ado, long time. Um so without further ado, this podcast is going to be called this podcast is going to be called this podcast is going to be called undocumented. Um this first episode is undocumented. Um this first episode is undocumented. Um this first episode is going to be um sos one family one dream. going to be um sos one family one dream. going to be um sos one family one dream. And I am joined today with two very And I am joined today with two very And I am joined today with two very special people. um Cesar Espinosa, our special people. um Cesar Espinosa, our special people. um Cesar Espinosa, our executive director, who is also my older executive director, who is also my older executive director, who is also my older brother, and Ares Espinosa, who is uh brother, and Ares Espinosa, who is uh brother, and Ares Espinosa, who is uh the director of programs and operations the director of programs and operations the director of programs and operations of Fio Houston, who also more of Fio Houston, who also more of Fio Houston, who also more importantly is my older sister. So, importantly is my older sister. So, importantly is my older sister. So, welcome guys.

welcome guys. welcome guys. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you for having us. >> Thank you for having us. >> Thank you for having us. >> Well, thank you for being here. I think >> Well, thank you for being here. I think >> Well, thank you for being here. I think one of the things that u we wanted to do one of the things that u we wanted to do one of the things that u we wanted to do with this podcast is kind of sort of with this podcast is kind of sort of with this podcast is kind of sort of shine another more different view of FO. shine another more different view of FO. shine another more different view of FO. Um, and a lot of the times people when Um, and a lot of the times people when Um, and a lot of the times people when they they they well I would even say they they they well I would even say they they they well I would even say that there's not a lot of people that that there's not a lot of people that that there's not a lot of people that know of us that are not involved in the know of us that are not involved in the know of us that are not involved in the immigrants rights community. Um, so immigrants rights community. Um, so immigrants rights community. Um, so hopefully this this project will allow hopefully this this project will allow hopefully this this project will allow us to kind of sort of shatter a little us to kind of sort of shatter a little us to kind of sort of shatter a little bit beyond that into more of a bit beyond that into more of a bit beyond that into more of a mainstream audience, but also those that mainstream audience, but also those that mainstream audience, but also those that do know us um kind of sort of have just do know us um kind of sort of have just do know us um kind of sort of have just one particular one particular one particular um concept of who we are as an um concept of who we are as an um concept of who we are as an organization. A lot of them don't know organization. A lot of them don't know organization. A lot of them don't know that it's a family-owned organization, that it's a family-owned organization, that it's a family-owned organization, that it's actually all of us. Um, one of that it's actually all of us. Um, one of that it's actually all of us. Um, one of the conversations that I've had with uh the conversations that I've had with uh the conversations that I've had with uh USA in particular is the fact that a lot USA in particular is the fact that a lot USA in particular is the fact that a lot of people um have a con uh this of people um have a con uh this of people um have a con uh this conception that FIL is usually just you. conception that FIL is usually just you. conception that FIL is usually just you. Um, and one of the things that we want Um, and one of the things that we want Um, and one of the things that we want to highlight in this in through the this to highlight in this in through the this to highlight in this in through the this series of podcast is the fact that it's series of podcast is the fact that it's series of podcast is the fact that it's a team effort. Um and while you are a a team effort. Um and while you are a a team effort. Um and while you are a very important part of our team um it is very important part of our team um it is very important part of our team um it is also a bigger group um in particularly also a bigger group um in particularly also a bigger group um in particularly um AA and me and others that work with um AA and me and others that work with um AA and me and others that work with the organization. Um I know AA um was the organization. Um I know AA um was the organization. Um I know AA um was actually one of the first ones if you actually one of the first ones if you actually one of the first ones if you can't believe it to kind of um get us can't believe it to kind of um get us can't believe it to kind of um get us involved in the immigrants rights involved in the immigrants rights involved in the immigrants rights movement. Correct Ara?

movement. Correct Ara? movement. Correct Ara? >> Yes. Yes. Can you talk to us a little >> Yes. Yes. Can you talk to us a little >> Yes. Yes. Can you talk to us a little bit about um the origins of um when you bit about um the origins of um when you bit about um the origins of um when you started getting involved and I know that started getting involved and I know that started getting involved and I know that you dragged me and Cesar um to some you dragged me and Cesar um to some you dragged me and Cesar um to some events when we were younger including in events when we were younger including in events when we were younger including in 2001 to advocate for instate tuition for 2001 to advocate for instate tuition for 2001 to advocate for instate tuition for undocumented students. Can you just let undocumented students. Can you just let undocumented students. Can you just let us know a little bit about that? us know a little bit about that? us know a little bit about that? >> Yes. So when I graduated, I was an >> Yes. So when I graduated, I was an >> Yes. So when I graduated, I was an undocumented student and I had the undocumented student and I had the undocumented student and I had the urgency to help myself in order to urgency to help myself in order to urgency to help myself in order to become to become a which at that time I become to become a which at that time I become to become a which at that time I wanted to be a bilingual education wanted to be a bilingual education wanted to be a bilingual education teacher. So um I started looking and teacher. So um I started looking and teacher. So um I started looking and started uh volunteering in different started uh volunteering in different started uh volunteering in different places until I found a place where we places until I found a place where we places until I found a place where we needed to make a change for undocumented needed to make a change for undocumented needed to make a change for undocumented students just like myself. And that's students just like myself. And that's students just like myself. And that's when y'all came along. Um we when y'all came along. Um we when y'all came along. Um we volunteered. We went to our first uh volunteered. We went to our first uh volunteered. We went to our first uh march and we I told Cesar at that time march and we I told Cesar at that time march and we I told Cesar at that time that he needed to come because this was that he needed to come because this was that he needed to come because this was important because after me he was going important because after me he was going important because after me he was going to be the one next to go into into to be the one next to go into into to be the one next to go into into university. So we needed to make that university. So we needed to make that university. So we needed to make that change and help make that change for change and help make that change for change and help make that change for ourselves because if we didn't do that ourselves because if we didn't do that ourselves because if we didn't do that nobody else was going to do it. So nobody else was going to do it. So nobody else was going to do it. So that's how I got involved. Eventually it that's how I got involved. Eventually it that's how I got involved. Eventually it fall into you uh because you were always fall into you uh because you were always fall into you uh because you were always with us. So even if probably you didn't with us. So even if probably you didn't with us. So even if probably you didn't wanted to, you had to come with us wanted to, you had to come with us wanted to, you had to come with us because you were we were a team of because you were we were a team of because you were we were a team of three. So that's how we everything three. So that's how we everything three. So that's how we everything started and and we're here.

started and and we're here. started and and we're here. >> And so sad. Um so in 2001, how old were >> And so sad. Um so in 2001, how old were >> And so sad. Um so in 2001, how old were you? you? you? >> Uh in 200 Now you're calling out my age. >> Uh in 200 Now you're calling out my age. >> Uh in 200 Now you're calling out my age. In 2001, I was 16 years old. In 2001, I was 16 years old. In 2001, I was 16 years old. >> Yes. And can I I remember um you were >> Yes. And can I I remember um you were >> Yes. And can I I remember um you were there um when uh they were able to pass there um when uh they were able to pass there um when uh they were able to pass uh HB1403 with the Texas Dream Act. for uh HB1403 with the Texas Dream Act. for uh HB1403 with the Texas Dream Act. for those that do not know. Um, what was those that do not know. Um, what was those that do not know. Um, what was your experience going to Austin for the your experience going to Austin for the your experience going to Austin for the first time? It was your first of many. I first time? It was your first of many. I first time? It was your first of many. I know we've been there almost every other know we've been there almost every other know we've been there almost every other day. Every other day, every other year. day. Every other day, every other year. day. Every other day, every other year. Um, so how was it the first experience? Um, so how was it the first experience? Um, so how was it the first experience? Did did you like it? What were your Did did you like it? What were your Did did you like it? What were your thoughts on the first time you went to thoughts on the first time you went to thoughts on the first time you went to Austin to lobby? Austin to lobby? Austin to lobby? >> Well, it seems at times we are there >> Well, it seems at times we are there >> Well, it seems at times we are there every other day. Uh, but that's a whole every other day. Uh, but that's a whole every other day. Uh, but that's a whole different story for the next episode of different story for the next episode of different story for the next episode of Undocumented the podcast. Uh but you Undocumented the podcast. Uh but you Undocumented the podcast. Uh but you know I think for for me it was it was a know I think for for me it was it was a know I think for for me it was it was a new experience at the beginning. Um much new experience at the beginning. Um much new experience at the beginning. Um much like coming to this country I really like coming to this country I really like coming to this country I really didn't know what I was getting myself didn't know what I was getting myself didn't know what I was getting myself into. I just followed my my family my into. I just followed my my family my into. I just followed my my family my sister. She just told me hey we're going sister. She just told me hey we're going sister. She just told me hey we're going to go to Austin and you're going to come to go to Austin and you're going to come to go to Austin and you're going to come with me. uh she called me my pet name with me. uh she called me my pet name with me. uh she called me my pet name which I can't say on uh on the podcast which I can't say on uh on the podcast which I can't say on uh on the podcast but uh we we just you know she just told but uh we we just you know she just told but uh we we just you know she just told me you're coming with me and and I me you're coming with me and and I me you're coming with me and and I followed and uh it started off uh what followed and uh it started off uh what followed and uh it started off uh what what turned out to be a life-changing what turned out to be a life-changing what turned out to be a life-changing event for many many people and you know event for many many people and you know event for many many people and you know just recently I know I did it with you just recently I know I did it with you just recently I know I did it with you as well and I just did it with her where as well and I just did it with her where as well and I just did it with her where we took a picture of re recreating one we took a picture of re recreating one we took a picture of re recreating one of the you know our moments uh 15 20 of the you know our moments uh 15 20 of the you know our moments uh 15 20 years ago when uh when we our first time years ago when uh when we our first time years ago when uh when we our first time that we went to Austin and I think we're that we went to Austin and I think we're that we went to Austin and I think we're still there, which I think is a

still there, which I think is a still there, which I think is a testament of what FEL does and and a testament of what FEL does and and a testament of what FEL does and and a testament of the work that we've been testament of the work that we've been testament of the work that we've been doing now for almost 20 years. doing now for almost 20 years. doing now for almost 20 years. >> Yes. I And I I will say that for in >> Yes. I And I I will say that for in >> Yes. I And I I will say that for in 2001, they didn't take me cuz I was 11 2001, they didn't take me cuz I was 11 2001, they didn't take me cuz I was 11 years old. Um but I was able to get my years old. Um but I was able to get my years old. Um but I was able to get my chance to lobby when I was a lot older. chance to lobby when I was a lot older. chance to lobby when I was a lot older. I actually uh would help students get I actually uh would help students get I actually uh would help students get into college and receive financial aid into college and receive financial aid into college and receive financial aid before I myself graduated from high before I myself graduated from high before I myself graduated from high school. Um, so I think one of the things school. Um, so I think one of the things school. Um, so I think one of the things that a lot of people don't know, that a lot of people don't know, that a lot of people don't know, especially talking about our family, is especially talking about our family, is especially talking about our family, is the fact that we ourselves are the fact that we ourselves are the fact that we ourselves are immigrants from Mexico City. Um, we came immigrants from Mexico City. Um, we came immigrants from Mexico City. Um, we came into the United States back in 1991. Um, into the United States back in 1991. Um, into the United States back in 1991. Um, I was one years one year old, Cesar was I was one years one year old, Cesar was I was one years one year old, Cesar was five, AA was eight. Um, and I think one five, AA was eight. Um, and I think one five, AA was eight. Um, and I think one of the things that we always talk about of the things that we always talk about of the things that we always talk about whenever we do presentations is whenever we do presentations is whenever we do presentations is basically talk about that um, basically talk about that um, basically talk about that um, experience. Um, I would like for both of experience. Um, I would like for both of experience. Um, I would like for both of you, and I'm not going to say anything you, and I'm not going to say anything you, and I'm not going to say anything in this segment because I don't remember in this segment because I don't remember in this segment because I don't remember I was one. I honestly my earliest memory I was one. I honestly my earliest memory I was one. I honestly my earliest memory are already here in Houston. But Ara and are already here in Houston. But Ara and are already here in Houston. But Ara and Cesad um you guys remember what um Cesad um you guys remember what um Cesad um you guys remember what um briefly or vaguely maybe um the briefly or vaguely maybe um the briefly or vaguely maybe um the transition from Mexico to the United transition from Mexico to the United transition from Mexico to the United States. Can you talk us to us a little States. Can you talk us to us a little States. Can you talk us to us a little bit more about that?

bit more about that? bit more about that? >> Yeah. Um for me it was a big transition >> Yeah. Um for me it was a big transition >> Yeah. Um for me it was a big transition because not only now I had to actually because not only now I had to actually because not only now I had to actually learn how to speak English and not learn how to speak English and not learn how to speak English and not pretend when we um knew we were coming pretend when we um knew we were coming pretend when we um knew we were coming here. Me and Cesar used to play that we here. Me and Cesar used to play that we here. Me and Cesar used to play that we will pretend to speak English and will pretend to speak English and will pretend to speak English and [laughter] we did not know what we were [laughter] we did not know what we were [laughter] we did not know what we were saying. saying. saying. >> I heard those stories. Yes. >> I heard those stories. Yes. >> I heard those stories. Yes. >> Or we used to pretend and tell each >> Or we used to pretend and tell each >> Or we used to pretend and tell each other what we were going to other what we were going to other what we were going to >> Come on. Come on. Say it. Say it. Come >> Come on. Come on. Say it. Say it. Come >> Come on. Come on. Say it. Say it. Come on. Come on. [laughter] Say it. on. Come on. [laughter] Say it. on. Come on. [laughter] Say it. >> We used to go like this. We used to say >> We used to go like this. We used to say >> We used to go like this. We used to say uh watcha watcha watcha watch uh watcha watcha watcha watch uh watcha watcha watcha watch >> and then we pretend that that was >> and then we pretend that that was >> and then we pretend that that was English. Yes. Yes. English. Yes. Yes. English. Yes. Yes. >> Yes. So that's what we used to do. I >> Yes. So that's what we used to do. I >> Yes. So that's what we used to do. I think that was a big transition for me. think that was a big transition for me. think that was a big transition for me. And then what helped me was um that in And then what helped me was um that in And then what helped me was um that in the school that I was in um they had the school that I was in um they had the school that I was in um they had bilingual education and that helped me bilingual education and that helped me bilingual education and that helped me because I learned everything Spanish. I because I learned everything Spanish. I because I learned everything Spanish. I did have ESL classes um but I think they did have ESL classes um but I think they did have ESL classes um but I think they were more bilingual. So I really didn't were more bilingual. So I really didn't were more bilingual. So I really didn't have the need until we moved to Ohio have the need until we moved to Ohio have the need until we moved to Ohio that many many people don't know that we that many many people don't know that we that many many people don't know that we also live one year in Ohio. also live one year in Ohio. also live one year in Ohio. >> We had we we had a strange year where we >> We had we we had a strange year where we >> We had we we had a strange year where we lived in Ohio.

lived in Ohio. lived in Ohio. >> I call it the awkward year. >> I call it the awkward year. >> I call it the awkward year. >> Yeah, it was the awkward year. Yeah. we >> Yeah, it was the awkward year. Yeah. we >> Yeah, it was the awkward year. Yeah. we just ended up in the middle of nowhere, just ended up in the middle of nowhere, just ended up in the middle of nowhere, Ohio. Ohio. Ohio. >> So that's when I really learned how to >> So that's when I really learned how to >> So that's when I really learned how to speak English. And I think the weather speak English. And I think the weather speak English. And I think the weather the weather is what hit me the most the weather is what hit me the most the weather is what hit me the most because before in in Mexico City, many because before in in Mexico City, many because before in in Mexico City, many people that grow up and are still living people that grow up and are still living people that grow up and are still living in Mexico City, the mornings they're in Mexico City, the mornings they're in Mexico City, the mornings they're kind of not so hot, but they're hot, but kind of not so hot, but they're hot, but kind of not so hot, but they're hot, but in the night you put a sweater on. So I in the night you put a sweater on. So I in the night you put a sweater on. So I was still used to having my sweater was still used to having my sweater was still used to having my sweater carry on everywhere because everywhere carry on everywhere because everywhere carry on everywhere because everywhere here is AC. So I think the English and here is AC. So I think the English and here is AC. So I think the English and my sweater was the big adaptation for me my sweater was the big adaptation for me my sweater was the big adaptation for me not not to carry my sweater everywhere. not not to carry my sweater everywhere. not not to carry my sweater everywhere. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> For me I think it's the weather and I >> For me I think it's the weather and I >> For me I think it's the weather and I tell this people all the time walk tell this people all the time walk tell this people all the time walk coming into Houston is like walking into coming into Houston is like walking into coming into Houston is like walking into soup. Uh, I remember the doors opening soup. Uh, I remember the doors opening soup. Uh, I remember the doors opening at the airport or what I remember from at the airport or what I remember from at the airport or what I remember from being at the airport and I just remember being at the airport and I just remember being at the airport and I just remember the the rush of hot air and then I the the rush of hot air and then I the the rush of hot air and then I remember I remember uh somebody I'm not remember I remember uh somebody I'm not remember I remember uh somebody I'm not going to say their names was somebody I going to say their names was somebody I going to say their names was somebody I would have was like having trouble would have was like having trouble would have was like having trouble breathing and I was like I was like yo breathing and I was like I was like yo breathing and I was like I was like yo get a hold of yourself, right? And uh get a hold of yourself, right? And uh get a hold of yourself, right? And uh but then I had a we all had trouble but then I had a we all had trouble but then I had a we all had trouble breathing. Uh and then the second thing breathing. Uh and then the second thing breathing. Uh and then the second thing that I remember [laughter] is my dad uh that I remember [laughter] is my dad uh that I remember [laughter] is my dad uh not knowing English. Uh and this was not knowing English. Uh and this was not knowing English. Uh and this was prior to Google Maps and and uh and ways prior to Google Maps and and uh and ways prior to Google Maps and and uh and ways and all that stuff. And so I remember he and all that stuff. And so I remember he and all that stuff. And so I remember he just had the name of the street and we just had the name of the street and we just had the name of the street and we were pointing and then uh I remember the were pointing and then uh I remember the were pointing and then uh I remember the one thing that never leaves my mind is one thing that never leaves my mind is one thing that never leaves my mind is the first time we saw downtown Houston the first time we saw downtown Houston the first time we saw downtown Houston and we saw the big beautiful buildings and we saw the big beautiful buildings and we saw the big beautiful buildings and we were like whoa this is really and we were like whoa this is really and we were like whoa this is really really neat. And so that's a memory

really neat. And so that's a memory really neat. And so that's a memory that's engraved in in my my head for an that's engraved in in my my head for an that's engraved in in my my head for an eternity. eternity. eternity. >> And and that's very interesting because >> And and that's very interesting because >> And and that's very interesting because I I even though I was and technically I I even though I was and technically I I even though I was and technically myself an immigrant from from Mexico, I myself an immigrant from from Mexico, I myself an immigrant from from Mexico, I I never really experienced that. Um I I never really experienced that. Um I I never really experienced that. Um I was one u we Cesar is right. We came was one u we Cesar is right. We came was one u we Cesar is right. We came here in the dead of August 1991. I had here in the dead of August 1991. I had here in the dead of August 1991. I had just turned one. Um and um so I didn't just turned one. Um and um so I didn't just turned one. Um and um so I didn't have that experience um of that sort of have that experience um of that sort of have that experience um of that sort of culture shock, right? Um, and that's culture shock, right? Um, and that's culture shock, right? Um, and that's something that is is common in a lot of something that is is common in a lot of something that is is common in a lot of our immigrant communities now. Uh, uh, our immigrant communities now. Uh, uh, our immigrant communities now. Uh, uh, some of them have been here for 30 years some of them have been here for 30 years some of them have been here for 30 years like we have or over 30 years, but some like we have or over 30 years, but some like we have or over 30 years, but some of them have arrived just recently. And of them have arrived just recently. And of them have arrived just recently. And I think that in a way our our own I think that in a way our our own I think that in a way our our own personal experiences have allowed us to personal experiences have allowed us to personal experiences have allowed us to connect with the immigrant community and connect with the immigrant community and connect with the immigrant community and and it and it's helped out a lot. I and it and it's helped out a lot. I and it and it's helped out a lot. I think one of the things that I always think one of the things that I always think one of the things that I always like to talk about too when it comes to like to talk about too when it comes to like to talk about too when it comes to our origins is also the support that we our origins is also the support that we our origins is also the support that we had from our mom. Um, a lot of people had from our mom. Um, a lot of people had from our mom. Um, a lot of people don't know this, but um, our mom was was don't know this, but um, our mom was was don't know this, but um, our mom was was a pretty big activist or at least she a pretty big activist or at least she a pretty big activist or at least she was very um, activistoriented was very um, activistoriented was very um, activistoriented um, since Mexico. Um, and I think um, I um, since Mexico. Um, and I think um, I um, since Mexico. Um, and I think um, I know one of the tidbits that I like to know one of the tidbits that I like to know one of the tidbits that I like to talk about is the fact that while we talk about is the fact that while we talk about is the fact that while we used to eat dinner growing up, it wasn't used to eat dinner growing up, it wasn't used to eat dinner growing up, it wasn't just us. Well, first of all, tablets just us. Well, first of all, tablets just us. Well, first of all, tablets didn't exist. Now kids just want to be didn't exist. Now kids just want to be didn't exist. Now kids just want to be on their tablets. But back in the day, on their tablets. But back in the day, on their tablets. But back in the day, maybe sometimes we will we instead of maybe sometimes we will we instead of maybe sometimes we will we instead of turning on the TV while we ate um or turning on the TV while we ate um or turning on the TV while we ate um or instead of talking about random things, instead of talking about random things, instead of talking about random things, my mom used to always ask us what what my mom used to always ask us what what my mom used to always ask us what what does freedom mean to you? What does what

does freedom mean to you? What does what does freedom mean to you? What does what does the presidency mean to you? What does the presidency mean to you? What does the presidency mean to you? What does civic duty mean to you? Um so I does civic duty mean to you? Um so I does civic duty mean to you? Um so I think um is is there sort of uh think um is is there sort of uh think um is is there sort of uh something um that you that you think our something um that you that you think our something um that you that you think our mom has engraved in in um either one of mom has engraved in in um either one of mom has engraved in in um either one of you or me? I can talk about it too. Um, you or me? I can talk about it too. Um, you or me? I can talk about it too. Um, in regards to that, in regards to that, in regards to that, >> I think several things. I think number >> I think several things. I think number >> I think several things. I think number one, my mom was very progressive when it one, my mom was very progressive when it one, my mom was very progressive when it came to like gender roles. She never came to like gender roles. She never came to like gender roles. She never told uh a I don't know if you remember, told uh a I don't know if you remember, told uh a I don't know if you remember, she never told Aura that, you know, to she never told Aura that, you know, to she never told Aura that, you know, to serve us a plate of food or whatever. serve us a plate of food or whatever. serve us a plate of food or whatever. She would just be like, She would just be like, She would just be like, >> on the contrary, we had to serve her >> on the contrary, we had to serve her >> on the contrary, we had to serve her sometimes. sometimes. sometimes. >> Here's [laughter] >> Here's [laughter] >> Here's [laughter] I still had to serve her yesterday I still had to serve her yesterday I still had to serve her yesterday actually. She would just like throw the actually. She would just like throw the actually. She would just like throw the food on table and be like, you know, food on table and be like, you know, food on table and be like, you know, everybody every every person for everybody every every person for everybody every every person for themselves. The the other thing that I themselves. The the other thing that I themselves. The the other thing that I that really sticks with me when it comes that really sticks with me when it comes that really sticks with me when it comes to to that memory is uh of her telling to to that memory is uh of her telling to to that memory is uh of her telling me never to bow down my head to anybody. me never to bow down my head to anybody. me never to bow down my head to anybody. And every time I speak to a politician And every time I speak to a politician And every time I speak to a politician or interrupt them or anything like that, or interrupt them or anything like that, or interrupt them or anything like that, I think about my mom and I think about I think about my mom and I think about I think about my mom and I think about her telling me to never never bow down her telling me to never never bow down her telling me to never never bow down to anybody. And and it really is to anybody. And and it really is to anybody. And and it really is something that's that's engraved in me.

something that's that's engraved in me. something that's that's engraved in me. And then And then And then >> um I don't know if you know this, but uh >> um I don't know if you know this, but uh >> um I don't know if you know this, but uh but my dad was also part of a union. So but my dad was also part of a union. So but my dad was also part of a union. So like there is that thing there's like there is that thing there's like there is that thing there's pictures of my mom at lam uh you know pictures of my mom at lam uh you know pictures of my mom at lam uh you know marching with lo escalos and like stuff marching with lo escalos and like stuff marching with lo escalos and like stuff like that and I think one of the one of like that and I think one of the one of like that and I think one of the one of you just brought up another memory one you just brought up another memory one you just brought up another memory one of the biggest coolest memories was when of the biggest coolest memories was when of the biggest coolest memories was when we got the award from Lam last year. we got the award from Lam last year. we got the award from Lam last year. Yes. Yes. Yes. >> So it was I mean no in 2024. So it was >> So it was I mean no in 2024. So it was >> So it was I mean no in 2024. So it was like a full circle moment for my mom to like a full circle moment for my mom to like a full circle moment for my mom to be the school that she went to now be the school that she went to now be the school that she went to now awarding FIL with one of the most awarding FIL with one of the most awarding FIL with one of the most prestigious awards in Mexico. prestigious awards in Mexico. prestigious awards in Mexico. >> Yeah that's right. Our mom was a uh she >> Yeah that's right. Our mom was a uh she >> Yeah that's right. Our mom was a uh she wasn't able to finish because she got wasn't able to finish because she got wasn't able to finish because she got pregnant with my sister and had to had pregnant with my sister and had to had pregnant with my sister and had to had to prioritize uh taking care of my to prioritize uh taking care of my to prioritize uh taking care of my sister but she was also alumni sister but she was also alumni sister but she was also alumni de Mexico or LA um and then just like de Mexico or LA um and then just like de Mexico or LA um and then just like sister said two years ago they've sister said two years ago they've sister said two years ago they've awarded us an award um for the work that awarded us an award um for the work that awarded us an award um for the work that we do here in Fra. Is there anything we do here in Fra. Is there anything we do here in Fra. Is there anything that sticks out about mom? that sticks out about mom? that sticks out about mom? >> Well the thing about my mom is always a >> Well the thing about my mom is always a >> Well the thing about my mom is always a community that always trying to build a community that always trying to build a community that always trying to build a community and a family. She always did community and a family. She always did community and a family. She always did that um in the table that we have to um that um in the table that we have to um that um in the table that we have to um I will have to put the plates. Cesa will I will have to put the plates. Cesa will I will have to put the plates. Cesa will have to bring the forks. Um you will have to bring the forks. Um you will have to bring the forks. Um you will have to just um put the napkins. I have to just um put the napkins. I have to just um put the napkins. I remember that put you to do the napkins remember that put you to do the napkins remember that put you to do the napkins and clean the table. So that helping and clean the table. So that helping and clean the table. So that helping each other always like helping one each other always like helping one each other always like helping one [snorts] another always. I think that's [snorts] another always. I think that's [snorts] another always. I think that's one of the things that she brought to me one of the things that she brought to me one of the things that she brought to me is like that no matter what how simple a is like that no matter what how simple a is like that no matter what how simple a task is, you have to get it done and task is, you have to get it done and task is, you have to get it done and have to get it well done. M have to get it well done. M have to get it well done. M >> and I think um to the best of your

>> and I think um to the best of your >> and I think um to the best of your ability to try to help each other and ability to try to help each other and ability to try to help each other and that's I think she built that unity and that's I think she built that unity and that's I think she built that unity and she built that unity that helped me she built that unity that helped me she built that unity that helped me expand into now I'm a mother into my expand into now I'm a mother into my expand into now I'm a mother into my kids and show them that that we have to kids and show them that that we have to kids and show them that that we have to make even if it's dinner everybody has make even if it's dinner everybody has make even if it's dinner everybody has to chip in and I have to make the part to chip in and I have to make the part to chip in and I have to make the part and as a big community it has shown me and as a big community it has shown me and as a big community it has shown me that little pieces in uniting with that little pieces in uniting with that little pieces in uniting with people is going to make the big change people is going to make the big change people is going to make the big change >> and I agree with both and um And this is >> and I agree with both and um And this is >> and I agree with both and um And this is interesting to see these perspective interesting to see these perspective interesting to see these perspective even though we are related. I mean even though we are related. I mean even though we are related. I mean sometimes I learn something new every sometimes I learn something new every sometimes I learn something new every day. Um even from my siblings. Um I day. Um even from my siblings. Um I day. Um even from my siblings. Um I think the two things that I think stand think the two things that I think stand think the two things that I think stand out for me is the fact that number one out for me is the fact that number one out for me is the fact that number one my mom always taught me to question my mom always taught me to question my mom always taught me to question everything. Um do not settle for what everything. Um do not settle for what everything. Um do not settle for what they tell you. Um, I remember one time I they tell you. Um, I remember one time I they tell you. Um, I remember one time I told her I was talking to her about what told her I was talking to her about what told her I was talking to her about what they were teaching us in school and my they were teaching us in school and my they were teaching us in school and my mom got a little bit upset because she's mom got a little bit upset because she's mom got a little bit upset because she's like that's actually, you know, she kind like that's actually, you know, she kind like that's actually, you know, she kind of sort of, it's not that she questioned of sort of, it's not that she questioned of sort of, it's not that she questioned what they were teaching us in school or what they were teaching us in school or what they were teaching us in school or was against it, but um, she did tell me, was against it, but um, she did tell me, was against it, but um, she did tell me, she did teach me to teach us, I think, she did teach me to teach us, I think, she did teach me to teach us, I think, to critical think and to not settle for to critical think and to not settle for to critical think and to not settle for like just whatever people told you, like like just whatever people told you, like like just whatever people told you, like to do your own research. And I think the to do your own research. And I think the to do your own research. And I think the second thing that I this is a little bit second thing that I this is a little bit second thing that I this is a little bit more recent um but a lot of people don't more recent um but a lot of people don't more recent um but a lot of people don't know either um not before we had the know either um not before we had the know either um not before we had the office um or actual office um we were office um or actual office um we were office um or actual office um we were all the spaces that we had were either all the spaces that we had were either all the spaces that we had were either our house that's that was our office or our house that's that was our office or our house that's that was our office or uh borrowed spaces that we used to uh borrowed spaces that we used to uh borrowed spaces that we used to borrow um from other people. But then um borrow um from other people. But then um borrow um from other people. But then um in 2012 in preparation for the Deferred

in 2012 in preparation for the Deferred in 2012 in preparation for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, we Action for Childhood Arrivals, we Action for Childhood Arrivals, we decided to finally invest in having our decided to finally invest in having our decided to finally invest in having our own actual space. And my mom um actually own actual space. And my mom um actually own actual space. And my mom um actually um invested, she let us use her life um invested, she let us use her life um invested, she let us use her life savings to open up the office the very savings to open up the office the very savings to open up the office the very first time that we had an office. And first time that we had an office. And first time that we had an office. And she she she couldn't she didn't have to. she she she couldn't she didn't have to. she she she couldn't she didn't have to. um we actually were not considering uh um we actually were not considering uh um we actually were not considering uh from what I remember, but she she from what I remember, but she she from what I remember, but she she offered and she invested and she offered and she invested and she offered and she invested and she believed in us and thankfully it worked believed in us and thankfully it worked believed in us and thankfully it worked out. We were able to recuperate her out. We were able to recuperate her out. We were able to recuperate her investment and everything, but I think investment and everything, but I think investment and everything, but I think that was a big gesture in her part that that was a big gesture in her part that that was a big gesture in her part that she was able to to help us open our she was able to to help us open our she was able to to help us open our first office. Um we've moved on to a first office. Um we've moved on to a first office. Um we've moved on to a even nicer one now. Um but I think um it even nicer one now. Um but I think um it even nicer one now. Um but I think um it was it to me that's that shows very just was it to me that's that shows very just was it to me that's that shows very just how much she believes in us. And I think how much she believes in us. And I think how much she believes in us. And I think um and another thing I want to add um and another thing I want to add um and another thing I want to add before she gets mad at me, we also have before she gets mad at me, we also have before she gets mad at me, we also have another sibling. Uh her name is Mia. Um another sibling. Uh her name is Mia. Um another sibling. Uh her name is Mia. Um she's not here because she usually she's she's not here because she usually she's she's not here because she usually she's she's studying and she usually does um she's studying and she usually does um she's studying and she usually does um also help us care for mom now. Um but um also help us care for mom now. Um but um also help us care for mom now. Um but um shout out to Mia. um she is our younger shout out to Mia. um she is our younger shout out to Mia. um she is our younger sister and sister and sister and >> although although we got to mention that >> although although we got to mention that >> although although we got to mention that Mia does a lot of volunteering and she's Mia does a lot of volunteering and she's Mia does a lot of volunteering and she's uh her dream is to go to law school to uh her dream is to go to law school to uh her dream is to go to law school to eventually be the uh fel legal attorney eventually be the uh fel legal attorney eventually be the uh fel legal attorney at Fel. So she's getting there and she at Fel. So she's getting there and she at Fel. So she's getting there and she volunteers a lot. She does a lot of our volunteers a lot. She does a lot of our volunteers a lot. She does a lot of our social media and our things. She does social media and our things. She does social media and our things. She does volunteer.

volunteer. volunteer. >> She does a lot of video editing for us >> She does a lot of video editing for us >> She does a lot of video editing for us too. Yes. Um, and we are preparing her too. Yes. Um, and we are preparing her too. Yes. Um, and we are preparing her to uh to maybe uh not maybe eventually to uh to maybe uh not maybe eventually to uh to maybe uh not maybe eventually be uh one of our attorneys at FIO. Um, be uh one of our attorneys at FIO. Um, be uh one of our attorneys at FIO. Um, so I I think um so I I think um so I I think um before wrapping up, I also think that um before wrapping up, I also think that um before wrapping up, I also think that um it's not easy um well, first of all, it's not easy um well, first of all, it's not easy um well, first of all, it's not easy to have your own it's not easy to have your own it's not easy to have your own nonprofit. Um uh a lot of the times nonprofit. Um uh a lot of the times nonprofit. Um uh a lot of the times there's a misconception that um there's a misconception that um there's a misconception that um one of the things that we like to talk one of the things that we like to talk one of the things that we like to talk about is um we are one of the largest about is um we are one of the largest about is um we are one of the largest civil rights and immigrants rights civil rights and immigrants rights civil rights and immigrants rights organizations in Texas. And I think organizations in Texas. And I think organizations in Texas. And I think sometimes there's a misconception sometimes there's a misconception sometimes there's a misconception um with that statement. Um a lot of um with that statement. Um a lot of um with that statement. Um a lot of people think when we say that we mean people think when we say that we mean people think when we say that we mean that we are we are wellunded and we have that we are we are wellunded and we have that we are we are wellunded and we have hundreds of employees or volunteers, but hundreds of employees or volunteers, but hundreds of employees or volunteers, but in reality um that's not the case. um in reality um that's not the case. um in reality um that's not the case. um our operation actual staff is less than our operation actual staff is less than our operation actual staff is less than 10 people. Um when we mean um that what 10 people. Um when we mean um that what 10 people. Um when we mean um that what we're actually talking about is an we're actually talking about is an we're actually talking about is an influence. Um and the fact that um the influence. Um and the fact that um the influence. Um and the fact that um the work that we have been doing for the work that we have been doing for the work that we have been doing for the last almost 20 years has put us in in a last almost 20 years has put us in in a last almost 20 years has put us in in a position where people look at us um and position where people look at us um and position where people look at us um and look to us when things happen like look to us when things happen like look to us when things happen like Lorenzo Salgado like uh right now what's Lorenzo Salgado like uh right now what's Lorenzo Salgado like uh right now what's been going on with the immigration been going on with the immigration been going on with the immigration crackdown um and among other things. So, crackdown um and among other things. So, crackdown um and among other things. So, I think one of the things that I want to I think one of the things that I want to I think one of the things that I want to us you guys to talk about or us to talk us you guys to talk about or us to talk us you guys to talk about or us to talk about is the fact that it's it's it's about is the fact that it's it's it's about is the fact that it's it's it's not easy um running a nonprofit, but

not easy um running a nonprofit, but not easy um running a nonprofit, but also it's not easy or or the dynamic also it's not easy or or the dynamic also it's not easy or or the dynamic being the fact that we're not just being the fact that we're not just being the fact that we're not just co-workers, but we're siblings. Um it co-workers, but we're siblings. Um it co-workers, but we're siblings. Um it it's I I guess kind of sort of give an it's I I guess kind of sort of give an it's I I guess kind of sort of give an insight into that like what what is what insight into that like what what is what insight into that like what what is what is the dynamic um in regards to running is the dynamic um in regards to running is the dynamic um in regards to running something like that being siblings? Uh I something like that being siblings? Uh I something like that being siblings? Uh I feel like this is the part where we take feel like this is the part where we take feel like this is the part where we take out the couch and then we start therapy out the couch and then we start therapy out the couch and then we start therapy session here. [laughter] But no, I think session here. [laughter] But no, I think session here. [laughter] But no, I think it's I think it's wonderful. I think it it's I think it's wonderful. I think it it's I think it's wonderful. I think it has it challenges, but it also presents has it challenges, but it also presents has it challenges, but it also presents opportunities for synergy. Um and and I opportunities for synergy. Um and and I opportunities for synergy. Um and and I do have one correction. We are the do have one correction. We are the do have one correction. We are the largest immigrant-led civil rights largest immigrant-led civil rights largest immigrant-led civil rights organization in the state of Texas. Uh organization in the state of Texas. Uh organization in the state of Texas. Uh but it's it's taking a lot of work. A but it's it's taking a lot of work. A but it's it's taking a lot of work. A lot of people, you know, I tell young lot of people, you know, I tell young lot of people, you know, I tell young organizers, if you're if you're if you organizers, if you're if you're if you organizers, if you're if you're if you want to be rich, if you want to be uh, want to be rich, if you want to be uh, want to be rich, if you want to be uh, you know, if you if you want to just be you know, if you if you want to just be you know, if you if you want to just be about yourself, don't do community work. about yourself, don't do community work. about yourself, don't do community work. And I think that's that's something that And I think that's that's something that And I think that's that's something that a lot of people don't know. Uh, that it a lot of people don't know. Uh, that it a lot of people don't know. Uh, that it does take a lot from oneself to to be does take a lot from oneself to to be does take a lot from oneself to to be able to do this. I mean, people don't able to do this. I mean, people don't able to do this. I mean, people don't know that sometimes we work 80, 90 hours know that sometimes we work 80, 90 hours know that sometimes we work 80, 90 hours a week and and it's non-stop. We're also a week and and it's non-stop. We're also a week and and it's non-stop. We're also getting older, so it's it's we're getting older, so it's it's we're getting older, so it's it's we're relying now more on young interns, relying now more on young interns, relying now more on young interns, volunteers, people to come in a and volunteers, people to come in a and volunteers, people to come in a and staying true to the mission that feel staying true to the mission that feel staying true to the mission that feel really is community-led.

really is community-led. really is community-led. >> Um, and I think a lot of people have the >> Um, and I think a lot of people have the >> Um, and I think a lot of people have the misconception that that it's just us, misconception that that it's just us, misconception that that it's just us, but but there's a whole family behind but but there's a whole family behind but but there's a whole family behind us. us. us. >> Uh, there's a whole familia. So, that's >> Uh, there's a whole familia. So, that's >> Uh, there's a whole familia. So, that's why we're familiar >> because we we want to create that sense >> because we we want to create that sense of community. uh and we want to let of community. uh and we want to let of community. uh and we want to let people know that that we are there for people know that that we are there for people know that that we are there for them. One of the things that I want to them. One of the things that I want to them. One of the things that I want to make very clear is that our our families make very clear is that our our families make very clear is that our our families when we do advocacy for them, they get when we do advocacy for them, they get when we do advocacy for them, they get absolutely no charge from us. And I absolutely no charge from us. And I absolutely no charge from us. And I think that's a big misconception that think that's a big misconception that think that's a big misconception that people, you know, there's some people people, you know, there's some people people, you know, there's some people that that do that. We as field don't do that that do that. We as field don't do that that do that. We as field don't do that. And and even even then, um you that. And and even even then, um you that. And and even even then, um you know, we tell people one of the things know, we tell people one of the things know, we tell people one of the things one of the uh mantras that we've been one of the uh mantras that we've been one of the uh mantras that we've been sharing with people now is that we want sharing with people now is that we want sharing with people now is that we want them we want to be their family now. We them we want to be their family now. We them we want to be their family now. We want them to think about about us as want them to think about about us as want them to think about about us as families because when we left our families because when we left our families because when we left our countries, we don't we not only left our countries, we don't we not only left our countries, we don't we not only left our identities behind, we physically left identities behind, we physically left identities behind, we physically left our families and we have to create that our families and we have to create that our families and we have to create that sense of family now so that people don't sense of family now so that people don't sense of family now so that people don't feel alone.

feel alone. feel alone. >> So I think it's important um to know >> So I think it's important um to know >> So I think it's important um to know that yes, we're brothers. Sometimes we that yes, we're brothers. Sometimes we that yes, we're brothers. Sometimes we don't agree with each other. Um and I don't agree with each other. Um and I don't agree with each other. Um and I think that's a genuine thing. Um but think that's a genuine thing. Um but think that's a genuine thing. Um but it's just like everything. You don't it's just like everything. You don't it's just like everything. You don't agree with certain [snorts] rules. you agree with certain [snorts] rules. you agree with certain [snorts] rules. you don't agree with certain things. So, it don't agree with certain things. So, it don't agree with certain things. So, it is kind of hard and is it is uh is kind of hard and is it is uh is kind of hard and is it is uh overwhelming at some point, but as long overwhelming at some point, but as long overwhelming at some point, but as long as like we stick together, I think unity as like we stick together, I think unity as like we stick together, I think unity always defeats everything else. Like always defeats everything else. Like always defeats everything else. Like whenever you do projects together and whenever you do projects together and whenever you do projects together and then whenever we do community work, I then whenever we do community work, I then whenever we do community work, I think we when we're out in the in the think we when we're out in the in the think we when we're out in the in the marches and we're screaming and asking, marches and we're screaming and asking, marches and we're screaming and asking, this mission is still remains the same. this mission is still remains the same. this mission is still remains the same. That same unity that got us here. I That same unity that got us here. I That same unity that got us here. I think that's that's the thing that think that's that's the thing that think that's that's the thing that overcomes everything else. overcomes everything else. overcomes everything else. >> Oh yeah. And I definitely think that um >> Oh yeah. And I definitely think that um >> Oh yeah. And I definitely think that um although it is sometimes difficult um to although it is sometimes difficult um to although it is sometimes difficult um to work in this space in general but then work in this space in general but then work in this space in general but then also um you're also dealing with like also um you're also dealing with like also um you're also dealing with like your siblings and sometimes um I want to your siblings and sometimes um I want to your siblings and sometimes um I want to tell ah why why did you do this right?

tell ah why why did you do this right? tell ah why why did you do this right? Um because he's not just our executive Um because he's not just our executive Um because he's not just our executive director but he's my brother or my director but he's my brother or my director but he's my brother or my sister. I think at the end of the day it sister. I think at the end of the day it sister. I think at the end of the day it all comes down to the fact that we are all comes down to the fact that we are all comes down to the fact that we are in this together. Um we are a family in this together. Um we are a family in this together. Um we are a family among FEL but also outside of our family among FEL but also outside of our family among FEL but also outside of our family as the immigrant community. We are a as the immigrant community. We are a as the immigrant community. We are a family and and it's not always going to family and and it's not always going to family and and it's not always going to be perfect. There's going to be like Ara be perfect. There's going to be like Ara be perfect. There's going to be like Ara said disagreements. There's going to be said disagreements. There's going to be said disagreements. There's going to be maybe maybe maybe going in one direction in something and going in one direction in something and going in one direction in something and I'm going in an opposite direction. And I'm going in an opposite direction. And I'm going in an opposite direction. And I think a lot of the time it is I think a lot of the time it is I think a lot of the time it is important that um and it always happens important that um and it always happens important that um and it always happens this way that there's always one of us this way that there's always one of us this way that there's always one of us as a moderator and we always kind of as a moderator and we always kind of as a moderator and we always kind of sort of agree at the end of the day. So sort of agree at the end of the day. So sort of agree at the end of the day. So it's not as bad as people might think. it's not as bad as people might think. it's not as bad as people might think. Um we are about to wrap up um a little Um we are about to wrap up um a little Um we are about to wrap up um a little bit. But I think one of the things that bit. But I think one of the things that bit. But I think one of the things that I did want to end besides uh before I I did want to end besides uh before I I did want to end besides uh before I kind of sort of end and let everyone kind of sort of end and let everyone kind of sort of end and let everyone know what's what's coming next um is I know what's what's coming next um is I know what's what's coming next um is I mean I would like for you guys to maybe mean I would like for you guys to maybe mean I would like for you guys to maybe say something that people don't know say something that people don't know say something that people don't know about you some something share something about you some something share something about you some something share something interesting that um you might want some interesting that um you might want some interesting that um you might want some people to know that maybe nobody knows.

people to know that maybe nobody knows. people to know that maybe nobody knows. >> So so on the previous point I do want to >> So so on the previous point I do want to >> So so on the previous point I do want to make two clarifications. Number one is make two clarifications. Number one is make two clarifications. Number one is out as boss. That's true. And number two out as boss. That's true. And number two out as boss. That's true. And number two is that uh chonas run the world. So is that uh chonas run the world. So is that uh chonas run the world. So shout out to all of our volunteers are shout out to all of our volunteers are shout out to all of our volunteers are our I mean some of the key staff at FEL our I mean some of the key staff at FEL our I mean some of the key staff at FEL is women and we have to make sure that is women and we have to make sure that is women and we have to make sure that we honor that and that we also honor the we honor that and that we also honor the we honor that and that we also honor the fact that we come that we come from a fact that we come that we come from a fact that we come that we come from a very strong woman and that's where this very strong woman and that's where this very strong woman and that's where this energy comes from. Um something that a energy comes from. Um something that a energy comes from. Um something that a lot of people don't know about me uh is lot of people don't know about me uh is lot of people don't know about me uh is that uh I sing opera. Uh I sing that uh I sing opera. Uh I sing that uh I sing opera. Uh I sing mariachi. I'm a fourth generation mariachi. I'm a fourth generation mariachi. I'm a fourth generation musician and um sometimes for the for musician and um sometimes for the for musician and um sometimes for the for those people that that know me sometimes those people that that know me sometimes those people that that know me sometimes they'll ask me to sing with mariachi and they'll ask me to sing with mariachi and they'll ask me to sing with mariachi and then uh I I yell a not here too but then uh I I yell a not here too but then uh I I yell a not here too but that's that's something that a lot of that's that's something that a lot of that's that's something that a lot of people get surprised uh when they when people get surprised uh when they when people get surprised uh when they when they know and then actually I was they know and then actually I was they know and then actually I was talking to one of our members and I was talking to one of our members and I was talking to one of our members and I was telling her hey we should start a f telling her hey we should start a f telling her hey we should start a f mariachi and then just pop up in mariachi and then just pop up in mariachi and then just pop up in different places. That's not a bad idea. different places. That's not a bad idea. different places. That's not a bad idea. And then and then without it. [laughter] And then and then without it. [laughter] And then and then without it. [laughter] >> Yeah. So, one of the things people don't >> Yeah. So, one of the things people don't >> Yeah. So, one of the things people don't know about me is the same thing. I'm a know about me is the same thing. I'm a know about me is the same thing. I'm a singer like um we come from musicians singer like um we come from musicians singer like um we come from musicians and a lot of people don't know that and a lot of people don't know that and a lot of people don't know that sometimes or not sometimes on birthday sometimes or not sometimes on birthday sometimes or not sometimes on birthday parties we do sing like they play the parties we do sing like they play the parties we do sing like they play the guitar and then we sing um as well. And guitar and then we sing um as well. And guitar and then we sing um as well. And one thing that many people tell me like one thing that many people tell me like one thing that many people tell me like u and they tell Cesa, they tell everyone u and they tell Cesa, they tell everyone u and they tell Cesa, they tell everyone your sister seems very calm, very thing.

your sister seems very calm, very thing. your sister seems very calm, very thing. But the thing is I do have my temper But the thing is I do have my temper But the thing is I do have my temper runs out really quick. runs out really quick. runs out really quick. >> Oh lord. [laughter] >> Oh lord. [laughter] >> Oh lord. [laughter] >> So I do have even though I look very >> So I do have even though I look very >> So I do have even though I look very serious, my temper does run out and serious, my temper does run out and serious, my temper does run out and that's one of the thing people don't that's one of the thing people don't that's one of the thing people don't know that it takes a lot of patience and know that it takes a lot of patience and know that it takes a lot of patience and a lot of love for me to to be as loving a lot of love for me to to be as loving a lot of love for me to to be as loving as I am with my brothers. [laughter] as I am with my brothers. [laughter] as I am with my brothers. [laughter] >> She is sweet, I promise. Uh, but some >> She is sweet, I promise. Uh, but some >> She is sweet, I promise. Uh, but some sweet, sweet, sweet, >> but sometimes Yeah, I I will >> but sometimes Yeah, I I will >> but sometimes Yeah, I I will >> sour patch kids. Starts off sweet, then >> sour patch kids. Starts off sweet, then >> sour patch kids. Starts off sweet, then turn sour. turn sour. turn sour. >> There you go. Um, I mean, I guess one of >> There you go. Um, I mean, I guess one of >> There you go. Um, I mean, I guess one of the things I guess I'll piggy back on the things I guess I'll piggy back on the things I guess I'll piggy back on what they say. One of the things is that what they say. One of the things is that what they say. One of the things is that we are musicians. Actually, me and Cesad we are musicians. Actually, me and Cesad we are musicians. Actually, me and Cesad played for a bit at a restaurant. We played for a bit at a restaurant. We played for a bit at a restaurant. We used to play when I was in high school. used to play when I was in high school. used to play when I was in high school. Um, and that's actually kind of sort of Um, and that's actually kind of sort of Um, and that's actually kind of sort of how we made a living. Um, we our our how we made a living. Um, we our our how we made a living. Um, we our our biological dad was a musician, his dad biological dad was a musician, his dad biological dad was a musician, his dad was a musician, and his dad was a was a musician, and his dad was a was a musician, and his dad was a musician. And we're all kind of musician. And we're all kind of musician. And we're all kind of musically inclined. And our kids are the musically inclined. And our kids are the musically inclined. And our kids are the next. next. next. >> And our kids are Yes. My daughter >> And our kids are Yes. My daughter >> And our kids are Yes. My daughter already asked for a guitar. Um I I guess already asked for a guitar. Um I I guess already asked for a guitar. Um I I guess another thing that people don't know another thing that people don't know another thing that people don't know about me is that I'm huge. Um I'm a big about me is that I'm huge. Um I'm a big about me is that I'm huge. Um I'm a big comic book nerd. I'm just a nerd in comic book nerd. I'm just a nerd in comic book nerd. I'm just a nerd in general, but a big comic book nerd. Um general, but a big comic book nerd. Um general, but a big comic book nerd. Um so I I do I've grown out of it, but I so I I do I've grown out of it, but I so I I do I've grown out of it, but I used to have all the comic book t-shirts used to have all the comic book t-shirts used to have all the comic book t-shirts and I still wear my Batman hat whenever and I still wear my Batman hat whenever and I still wear my Batman hat whenever I get a chance. So I mean it it's it's I get a chance. So I mean it it's it's I get a chance. So I mean it it's it's it's it's it's >> wears it to the office sometimes.

>> wears it to the office sometimes. >> wears it to the office sometimes. >> I do wear it to the office. [laughter] >> I do wear it to the office. [laughter] >> I do wear it to the office. [laughter] Yeah. Cesar gets Cesar gets kind of Yeah. Cesar gets Cesar gets kind of Yeah. Cesar gets Cesar gets kind of angry when I do that. I'm just kidding. angry when I do that. I'm just kidding. angry when I do that. I'm just kidding. Um, but yeah, I mean, thank you guys for Um, but yeah, I mean, thank you guys for Um, but yeah, I mean, thank you guys for being here. Um, we do want to don't we being here. Um, we do want to don't we being here. Um, we do want to don't we don't want we don't want to make this we don't want we don't want to make this we don't want we don't want to make this we could talk for hours. Um, I don't want could talk for hours. Um, I don't want could talk for hours. Um, I don't want to have you guys here for 3 or 4 hours. to have you guys here for 3 or 4 hours. to have you guys here for 3 or 4 hours. Um, I think we're going to wrap up, but Um, I think we're going to wrap up, but Um, I think we're going to wrap up, but um, again, thank you guys for being um, again, thank you guys for being um, again, thank you guys for being here. Um, hopefully this won't be the here. Um, hopefully this won't be the here. Um, hopefully this won't be the last time we do something like this last time we do something like this last time we do something like this together. Um, we are going to uh do this together. Um, we are going to uh do this together. Um, we are going to uh do this um, we're going to try to be consistent um, we're going to try to be consistent um, we're going to try to be consistent with the podcast. Do it once a month. with the podcast. Do it once a month. with the podcast. Do it once a month. Um, we are going to have uh different Um, we are going to have uh different Um, we are going to have uh different speakers. More than likely I'm going to speakers. More than likely I'm going to speakers. More than likely I'm going to be the host for um at least the first be the host for um at least the first be the host for um at least the first six. Um, and then we are going to not six. Um, and then we are going to not six. Um, and then we are going to not every format's going to be like this. every format's going to be like this. every format's going to be like this. Um, we are thinking of some ideas to Um, we are thinking of some ideas to Um, we are thinking of some ideas to make it a little bit more dynamic. Um, make it a little bit more dynamic. Um, make it a little bit more dynamic. Um, and I mean just stay tuned. Um, thank and I mean just stay tuned. Um, thank and I mean just stay tuned. Um, thank you guys for being for watching if you you guys for being for watching if you you guys for being for watching if you watched all the way till the end. Um, watched all the way till the end. Um, watched all the way till the end. Um, this was episode one. Um, sos one this was episode one. Um, sos one this was episode one. Um, sos one family, one dream. Um, and we'll see you family, one dream. Um, and we'll see you family, one dream. Um, and we'll see you on the next one.