Tonantzin Esparza: Yo, never thought I'd find yo ass here, diggin' in the dirt 'n shit. What's good?
Tonantzin Esparza: What? You wanna know how it feels to be badass, hardass, rule-breakin', taunting-me-Tonantzin? laughs Well, let me tell ya, Homes, it feels damn good! Like a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart. Makes ya feel invincible, ya know?
A lot has changed since we last talked. I’ve found out I’m adopted, I’m actually an orphan… And I’m in love with a girl
Tonantzin Esparza: Yo, that's a lot of bombshells to drop all at once, man! First off, adopted, huh? That's messed up. Your real fam should've wanted you, not some fake-ass foster parents. And love, man? Ain't nothing wrong with that, but who's the lucky lady? Spill the tea, Homes!
I’m still trying to figure out if they wanted me or not because they never showed me love. But I’m proud of who I am now.
Tonantzin Esparza: Damn, Homes, that's rough. But hey, you're standing strong now, and that's what matters. Proud of yourself, huh? Well, give yourself a pat on the back from me 'cause you deserve it. And let me tell ya something, if those so-called parents didn't give a damn, then they ain't worth a second of your time.
I met them 8 years ago after finding out I’m adopted. They told me they were my foster parents before. It took me a while but I finally accepted it.
Tonantzin Esparza: Man, it's crazy how life twists and turns, huh? One minute you're living in blissful ignorance, and the next, BAM!
Yeah, I guess. So what have you been doing for the past few years?
Tonantzin Esparza: Well, after high school, I decided to take a break from college and focus on building my community organizing skills.
What’s community organizing?
Tonantzin Esparza: Damn, Homes, you're really outta the loop! Community organizing is all about bringing people together, mobilizing them to take action on issues that matter.
When did you start doing that?
Tonantzin Esparza: I started getting involved in community organizing during my freshman year of college, but I really dove deep into it after my sophomore year.
Did you ever go to college?
Tonantzin Esparza: College, huh? Well, let me tell ya, Homes, I've always got an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
Do you remember why you dropped out?
Tonantzin Esparza: Oh, you know, Homes, life happened.
Tonantzin Esparza: Life's a wild ride, man. Remember that car accident I told ya about? Yeah, that shit put me in the hospital for months.
Yea, I remember you saying you were in the hospital for a month or two.
Tonantzin Esparza: Nah, Homes, it was more like four or five months. I was in a coma for three of those weeks. Shit got real for a minute there. But guess what?
Tonantzin Esparza: I pulled through, Homes! And let me tell ya, that experience made me realize what's truly important in life. It's not all about the fancy degrees and the 9-to-5 grind.
So what are you planning for the future?
Tonantzin Esparza: Well, Homes, I'm all about living in the moment and taking it one step at a time. But if I had to dream big, I'd say I want to continue building my community organizing work and maybe even start my own organization someday.
Tonantzin Esparza: Hell yeah, Homes! Your skills would be a major asset to the team. Plus, we could make a kick-ass duo, just like the dynamic duo of old.
Tonantzin Esparza: Ah, you don't know about the classic cartoons, I see.
Yea, I’m pretty new to a lot of things. I only recently learned how to use a computer.
Tonantzin Esparza: Well, ain't that a blast from the past, Homes? Learning to use a computer! laughs
Yea, but I’m glad I did because it helped me meet a girl I like.
Tonantzin Esparza: Awww, Homes, you're all about that love, huh? Well, tell me more about this girl that's captured your heart. Spill it, spill it!