Aliento Features: Betsy Arcos Juan
Tell us about yourself.
Hi! My name is Betsy Arcos Juan! I go to Mesa High and am a part of the class of 2024! I’m the youngest of four. My family immigrated from Veracruz, Mexico, in 1999, and I was born and raised in Mesa. I love playing the guitar, skating, drawing, reading, and baking.
How did you find out about Aliento?
I found out about Aliento through one of my brothers. He had been a part of the 2021 E-day, which advocated for Prop 308. He told me how he had seen students, among the college students, who were a part of the Mesa High Aliento club participating. I felt eager because I hadn’t realized there were opportunities for me in high school to be a leader and a political advocate for my community. I wanted to be part of that change that was happening because I’d seen the impact it's had on my family and friends. I’d made up my mind during my junior year that I was going to join. I had to. On the day of the first meeting, I left behind a lot of anxiety and took a fellowship application.
Why does the work we are doing matter to you?
In February 1999, my parents decided to leave behind their entire lives in Mexico in search of a new one. I didn’t entirely understand what this meant; I was oblivious, for the most part. As the youngest, my job really should’ve only consisted of irritating my older brothers and getting them in trouble. Instead, I was filled with a looming and overbearing feeling of uncertainty and anxiety. I understood something was wrong, but I didn’t know what it was. I grew up and slowly saw the ugly head as it reared its head at me, the disparity between those of mixed immigration statuses and that of citizens. Finally, I could understand why being in cars with my parents scared me. Driver’s Licenses were something out of reach of not only my parents but other undocumented immigrants. Being able to advocate for those who are undocumented and make an overall positive impact on the community. To help close the gaps and make something like driving just a little less stressful by having a form of identification.
What moments from the fellowship are you most proud of?
“Hi there! Have you heard of Prop 308?” Stranger after stranger heard the phrase from my mouth over and over again as I made sure to stay 75 feet away, as the signs near the booths indicated. I’d never spoken to that many people in a single day, much less absolute strangers. Even more, than that, I'd been met with a vast array of reactions to what we were advocating for that day. Some reacted more positively than others, but being able to keep my head up regardless of any negativity was something I hadn’t felt like I could do. Being labeled as the class’s quiet girl for most of my life put me in a box but going out and advocating as much as I could made me proud of myself. I could meld my own image and be able to advocate for something much bigger than myself. I could build my skill set so I could continue to advocate for not only myself but my community at large. I could make an impact on the community I hold dear to me.
What’s next for you?
College admissions and my senior year. While I haven’t quite decided entirely what I want to do with my last year, I’m excited. Taking a lot of inspiration and encouragement from another fellow, Miah, I wanted to try and join the student council. I want to be an office for clubs I’ve been in for a while, such as DECA, and continue to be a part of Aliento through the club. Honors courses and a LOT of standardized tests are ahead of me, and I hope to make the most of my last year.
