Tell us about yourself.

My name is Luis Reyes, and I am a first-generation Mexican-American student at Arizona State University. I am studying Political Science and Justice Studies with a minor in Spanish. My mom is from Veracruz, Mexico, and she came to the United States before I was born to seek better opportunities for myself and for my brother, who is deaf. When I am not running around going to different events and meetings or catching up on homework, I love to spend with my friends making Carne Asada or staying home to watch movies and shows.

How did you find out about Aliento?

I first got involved with Aliento through my high school, Brophy. This was when Aliento was beginning to roll out their Education Days, and I saw them as a great opportunity to get involved with the community. At first, I was a little unsure about involving myself, but I went to the second Education Day and loved every minute of it. I enjoyed seeing how legislation gets passed so closely and the passion on display at the capitol. I tried to stay involved with Aliento, but in light of Covid, I lost contact with the opportunities at Aliento. Now, as a junior at Arizona State University, I saw more of my friends, old and new, begin to get involved with Aliento. I had wanted to get involved earlier in my college career, but due to personal circumstances, I was unable to. Now that I had the time and availability to commit to the fellowship, I felt that it was my turn to create an impact on the immigrant community. I joined Aliento because I realized that I could always do more for my community, and as a son of an immigrant, I knew that I wanted to help create a better place for my mom and my brother.

Why does the work we are doing matter to you?

Aliento’s work influences so many people in so many ways, and I greatly appreciate their efforts to help not only immigrants but also their families in the communities they are part of. As a child and in the early years of my high school career, I did not see a lot of the impact that politics had in my life, but the one policy that always stuck with me was SB1070. I do not remember what the policy entailed at the time, but I remember the fear that it instilled in my family and my community. This feeling of fear is what drives me in the present to continue helping and striving for more change. The work that Aliento does is helping young adults like myself who went through the same experiences and are feeling some of the same fears overcome them and put effort into making sure that future generations don’t face the same.

What moments from the fellowship are you most proud of?

The fellowship gave me so many new experiences and helped me develop skills that I had not had before. I had always liked talking to people, but I struggled a bit with creating conversations that peacefully discuss policies professionally. The fellowship put me front and center in these situations so I can learn from real-world experiences. Additionally, the fellowship allowed me to learn what it takes to plan, prepare for, and execute an event. I was able to sharpen my outreach skills and learn how to tap into my network for opportunities and an audience to spread information. I developed my professional skills throughout the year and it has helped me immensely in getting opportunities in the area I want to develop a career in.

How did Education Day impact you?

I absolutely loved Education Day and the opportunity to lead groups into legislative meetings. I realized that I love talking to our legislators about policies that I’m very passionate about and enjoy being able to help others share their stories and be heard. For a long time, for reasons such as SB1070 and having to hide the status of my family, I felt that I had no place in government or influencing legislation. Being able to see others do it inspired me to partake, and I hope to do the same for others.

What is a moment from the fellowship outside of E-day that really impacted you?

I think that a very impactful part of the fellowship was having a cohort of other students who have gone through similar situations and were in similar circumstances in their education and being able to share our experiences, hopes, and goals. This helped me and others realize that we are not alone in our struggles and that our frustrations, as we create change, are valid. Being able to come to every cohort meeting and learn a little bit more about everyone was very special.

How would you describe this fellowship to someone who is looking to apply?

The fellowship is an opportunity to sharpen your leadership skills in specific and real-world ways. You will learn to adapt, think ahead, and present yourself in the best possible manner. The fellowship strives to show you your potential and the change that you are able to make if you put in the effort and are given the right tools. I would advise those applying to be open to new and uncomfortable situations and come in with an open mind, ready to learn. If you are willing to be outside your comfort zone, you can gain great experience and become confident in your skills.

What’s next for you?

For my future immediately after the fellowship, I will be interning at the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office and hope to participate in a congressional or Mayor’s Office internship. After graduating from ASU, I hope to get my Master’s in Public Administration and eventually go to Law School to receive my JD.