A student's journey beyond food insecurity: 'I pushed myself to be proud'
Nicholas "Thomas" Guerra, a member of the Latino community, spoke passionately about his journey and how it shaped his path towards a career in occupational therapy. "Being Latino, I grew up in a very close-knit family," Thomas began.
Born and raised in the heart of El Paso, Thomas’ life is deeply intertwined with the rich tapestry of Latino culture that surrounds him. His roots run deep, and he embraces his heritage as a guiding force in his life.
Currently a second-year student in the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Program at The University of Texas at El Paso, Thomas explained, "I’m looking forward to taking all I’ve learned and giving back to my community through my profession." He spoke with a sense of purpose, a desire to make a meaningful impact in the place he calls home.
But Thomas' educational journey had its share of challenges, especially in the early days when he moved away from his parents' home to pursue higher education. "Once I got enrolled in my bachelor’s degree program and moved out of my parents' home in 2019, it hit me that I would need help if I wanted to continue my college education," he admitted.
Of the 34 million people experiencing food insecurity in the U.S., nearly 13 million are Latino.
Thomas found himself experiencing food insecurity and financial distress. Food insecurity can create systemic barriers to education, employment, housing opportunities and more.
"In the Latino community, it is hard to admit you need help," he reflected, acknowledging the cultural pride that compels some in the Latino culture to figure things out on their own.
Determined to overcome this stigma, Thomas emphasized, "Instead of being embarrassed, I pushed myself to be proud that there actually is help out there." He offered a warm smile, dispelling any notion that needing help was a sign of weakness. "There’s nothing wrong with needing help," he declared with conviction.
Through his perseverance, Thomas connected with El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank (EPFH), the city's sole food bank and a partner of the Feeding America network. The food bank serves as a vital resource hub, providing not just sustenance but also support for individuals like Thomas on their educational journeys.
Recalling the assistance he received, Thomas said, "El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank offered me services with EBT, food stamps, SNAP—they offered me resources on getting unemployment benefits." These resources were lifelines that helped him navigate the waters of food insecurity.
For Thomas, accepting support from EPFH was not just about receiving aid; it was a stepping stone toward fulfilling his dream of becoming an occupational therapist and, more importantly, giving back to his community. "I wanted to use these resources temporarily with the end goal of giving back to my community," he emphasized.
With gratitude in his voice, Thomas made a poignant connection between the support he received from EPFH Food Bank and his educational pursuits. "Because of the assistance I received from the El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank, I am able to comfortably continue to focus on school more than I have to worry about some financial struggles or food insecurity," he shared.
For Thomas, his desire to serve his community and his deep-rooted Latino culture are intertwined, propelling him to help others in ways that aligned with his passion and profession. "Being part of the Latino community really defines my need to help others," he said earnestly. "I know that if I was able to overcome, I can hopefully open the doors for many others to do the same."
The Feeding America network is committed to working alongside Latino communities during Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the year to ensure that everyone has access to the food and resources they need to thrive.