Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Galicia Diaz.
Hi Juan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Juan Galicia-Diaz, I’m originally from southwest Little Rock, Arkansas. I am a first generation Chicano, my parents are from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. I was the first one to go to college, from a family of 8 (6 siblings including me). I went to school in St. Paul, Minnesota to explore and follow the same dream my parents followed. Being raised in all Black and Latino neighborhood you see the lack of resources and opportunities that are with held from your community. Especially within a southern city such as Little Rock, Arkansas. I majored in political science with a minor in sociology from Macalester College, where I learned quickly the values of community, social justice, empowerment, and education. I was finally able to put names to my childhood such as residential segregation, systemic racism, and forms of oppression. This critical thinking ability was awakening me, and gave me the lens to engage the world..
I obtained an internship in corporate banking doing DEI work which eventually brought me back south to work in Dallas post graduation. I wanted to be close to my family and ended up expanding my family here in Dallas. Through my love and belief in community, I got connected with an incredible non-profit called Primos Dallas. Where I engaged as a mentor for young latino/a students in Pleasant Grove, and the seed of becoming an educator was planted. I was released last November from my position in corporate and decided to take a leap of faith into education with hope of engaging my community in a more grassroots approach. I was accepted into DISD’s Latino residency program as a co-teacher at WW Samuell High School, where I am now a 9th grade English 1 teacher. I’ve been blessed to not only live in a community, but to serve in that same community with my spirit and gifts.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, being let go by a job isn’t one of the best feelings and moving to different cities with no friends is always a challenge. Thankfully, I’ve been blessed with an amazing support system and community. They keep me grounded with my life, and thanks to my upbringing, I’m constantly reminded of taking time to be grateful. We grow the most from uncomfort, and it’s allowed me to broaden my perspective of life in various ways.
Now, being a teacher, I’ve never ever had to work this hard. I’m constantly learning new things and always have this overwhelmed shadow above my head. You try your best everyday, but you’re constantly reminded that our students are not being centered. We have students who struggle with their English proficiency, the fear of immigration status, poverty, and lovelessness. I’m never hopeless, I’m hopeful and the light of resiliency always shines through us. They bring me joy and laughter everyday, but at the same time we face the systemic issues and lack of action from the powers that be. It is a constant struggle, but it’s our struggle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an English 1 teacher for 9th grade. My focus is to support and center my students by engaging with them as a mentor and honoring their time/presence. I provide them with snacks and I try to be as intentional with them by asking about their day/weekends. I don’t believe in disciplinary mechanisms, I believe in restorative practice where the student is able to take accountability through conversation and relationship building.
My pride is a reflection of my community. I’m proud of my students, that regardless of how the world is against them, they still manage to show up. I’m proud of my family for their constant work-ethic, love, and care. I’m proud of my friends for their community efforts and hope that they spread amongst their work.
I pray every night that I can be the best service and medicine for my community, and my goal is to be better every day.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Some books that have been of enlightenment to me have been Malcolm X by Alex Haley, All About Love by Bell Hooks, Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire, and We Do This ‘Til We Free Us by Mariame Kaba.
