Aliento Features: Edward (Edie) Lopez Perez
Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” That quote reminds me that justice is not something that simply appears on its own. It takes people willing to speak up, organize, and create change for their communities.
My name is Edward M. Lopez Perez, and I am a current junior at Brophy College Preparatory. I am the proud son of Salvadoran and Mexican immigrants and a first-generation American.
Growing up, I attended primarily Hispanic schools where I was surrounded by people who looked like me, spoke like me, and shared similar experiences. I never really questioned where I belonged because my community reflected who I was.
Getting accepted into Brophy was a dream come true. It was an opportunity my family had worked incredibly hard for, and I knew it could open doors for my future. But once I arrived, I quickly realized how different my environment was from what I had always known. I struggled academically at first with the workload and the pressure to succeed, but the biggest challenge was feeling out of place. For the first time, I became deeply aware that not everyone shared my experiences, my culture, or my story. There were moments when I felt invisible, like I had to work twice as hard just to prove that I belonged in those spaces.
As I got older, I became more aware of the realities immigrant families face every day. Hearing stories from my family and watching harmful rhetoric and policies affect communities like mine made me realize how important advocacy and representation truly are. At Brophy, I also noticed that a lot of students just haven’t had the same exposure to these experiences; many don’t fully understand what immigrant families go through, not out of bad intent, but because they’ve never had to see it up close. That really stood out to me. It made me realize how important it is to speak up and share these stories. I knew I didn’t want to just sit back and watch these issues unfold. I wanted to get involved and help create change for people whose voices are often ignored.
That is what led me to Aliento and Arizona’s Future Fellowship. When I first joined, I was nervous because I did not know exactly what to expect. But from the very beginning, I found a community that welcomed me with open arms. Through cohort meetings, Education Day, organizing events, and conversations with other fellows, I learned that leadership is not about having all the answers. Leadership is about being willing to listen, learn, and show up for others.
One of the most impactful experiences for me was when we met with the Arizona State Governor at the Capitol. Being able to share stories and advocate for immigrant communities showed me the power that young people hold. I realized that my experiences, my family’s sacrifices, and my voice mattered. Instead of feeling like I had to shrink myself to fit into certain spaces, I began to understand that my story itself was powerful.
This fellowship has helped me grow not only as a leader but also as a person. It has taught me the importance of community, resilience, and using my voice even when it feels uncomfortable. Looking ahead, I hope to continue advocating for immigrant communities and creating spaces where others feel seen and supported.
To anyone considering applying for this fellowship, do it. Come in with an open mind and an open heart. The people you meet, the lessons you learn, and the confidence you gain will stay with you long after the fellowship ends. Aliento reminded me that my voice matters, and now I plan to keep using it to fight until justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream.
