Every day, we are faced with difficult decisions, but some are harder than others. Julio Escobar, a senior at CBC, made a courageous decision by coming to the U.S. in 2016. This week I had the pleasure of talking with Julio to learn more about him.
Julio is from the capital of Lara, Barquisimeto, in Venezuela, which is 15 times bigger than Conway.
“We are a society that’s always laughing and celebrating something,” he said. “We have several dances and the most remarkable is El Golpe Tocuyano. It starts with drums and cuatro (Venezuelan guitar).”
Even though Venezuela is such a happy society, Julio says they have their struggles just like anywhere else. Over the past few years, Venezuela has been ruled by dictator Nicolas Maduro.
“Venezuela has been through a lot of political situations throughout history,” Julio said. “We always tried to find someone that would want to help, and we discover they’re like the devil and they don’t help.”
When Julio was 16 years old, he came to the U.S. and went to Madison, Wisconsin. Before he arrived there, he went through the Miami and Detroit airports.
“When I came to Miami, I was trying to order a burger in a Burger King, and it was very hard on me,” Julio said. “I was saying numbers and trying to use my phone that didn’t work. I don’t know how, but I told the lady something, and she gave me the wrong order. I ate it anyways because I didn’t have another option.”
Julio talked about English being difficult for him at first.
“I never gave up on [English], and I always tried to catch words and learn something,” he said.
After being away from home for almost a decade, Julio feels like every year has been a challenge here at college and outside of college. One of the biggest challenges was leaving his family. Julio has a younger sister, his mom and his dad in Barquisimeto, along with lots of other family members.
“Sometimes I feel like I forget my family,” he said. “I remember their faces, but it has been too long since I’ve seen them.”
His family members and Venezuela have not been the same since he left. Although this can bring him down at times, Julio tries to stay active and get more out of his life.
“I have a family now, my wife, and I need to be strong for her too,” Julio said.
He stays optimistic and works hard to be successful and build prosperity.
“I know after telling you I haven’t seen my family in 10 years, you’re going to feel bad for me,” he said. “But I think for the immigrants, we don’t want to be viewed differently or for people to feel bad for us.”
Julio realizes the sacrifices he’s had to make in order to accomplish all of his dreams and goals in life, which are always changing.
“I want to be able to be the one who gives to the people than to receive,” he said. “I would like to be a business owner… and besides that, I want to be a great father, husband, son, and set a great example for others.”
Ultimately, Julio strives “…to be who I am, try to enjoy my life and try to know the world and visit every country I can.”
Knowing Julio Escobar as a familiar, friendly face around campus, many would never have expected the challenges and sacrifices he has had to make. Julio is always lighting up any room with his positive energy, and he is an inspiration because of his resilience.
