Most people know me as Alex or Chunky, but my given name is Pablo Alejandro Lozano, and I am of Mexican descent. I am named after both my paternal and maternal grandfathers; I was born in Sunnyside, Washington, but raised in South Texas by my father, Robert, and two older brothers, Esteban, and Robert Jr. We grew up in the city of Edinburg, Texas, where the Mexican border was just a few minutes drive away. South Texas has a different feel, especially in terms of culture and lifestyle. It seems a bit more laid back and family and friends always surrounded us. We always lived at our grandparent's house, and as far as I can remember, my tios/tias and cousins were always at our family home. Most weekends, we would all gather in my grandparent's backyard to BBQ and have Tejano music blasting, intertwined with conversations and laughter. Back then, I never understood the importance of knowing where my family came from, but having experienced life since then has taught me how truly important it is to know one's culture and heritage. Although I was born in Washington, I embrace my Mexican roots and how my great-grandparents migrated to Texas in search of a better life. My family has been in Texas for many years, and even though my fiancé Veronica and I currently reside in Oregon, we will forever be Tejanos. 

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         Although I hold Texas close to my heart, I decided to leave Texas at the age of fifteen and moved to Washington to live with my mother, Lydia, and stepfather Roy. Things were slightly different; the music had changed, and the style of dress and the way people interacted with each other also varied in some way compared to Texas living. I guess one could say it was a culture shock. Washington has been the place where I have been able to gain a better understanding of where I come from. My family was migrant workers who traveled to different towns to work in the agricultural industry following the crops that were in season at the time. Though I never worked in the fields like my family did, I always seemed to be working on equipment relating to that type of work. Having worked in various food processing facilities, I enjoyed the rigor that came with this type of work, the troubleshooting/repairing of equipment, and making community with coworkers. Although I enjoyed this type of work, I was not done learning.   

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        Over the years, I have held many job titles, from being a checker at a retail store, a Journeyman Electrician, and a Packaging Mechanic Specialist. They all led me to the most meaningful opportunity yet: pursuing a college degree. Coming from a working-class family, I am fortunate to have been given the opportunity to seek out a college degree. I am proud to say that I was a first-generation student to graduate from a four-year college in my immediate Texas family. While growing up in Texas, I cannot recall ever hearing conversations about higher education or career choices at home or school. Now, after several years and finally achieving my goal of becoming an educator, I have made it a priority to take the time and center those types of conversations with my students. 

"Si se Puede, Si se Pudo!!!"

"Yes, you can. Yes, you could."