Joaquin’s Story
Joaquin Horacio Juarez Bollo was born in Oaxaca in February 2000. His father is originally from Tabasco state, while his mother is from the Oaxaca coastal region. He also has two brothers. Like many young people born into difficult economic and social conditions, his upbringing presented many challenges. We will explore his notable life journey to the present, and as you have read in Charley’s article, his story includes his recently receiving a prestigious scholarship to study in Europe.
His mother recounts that when he was young, he was hyperactive yet observant. Joaquin remembers many people commenting that he was especially bright.
In his early school years, he remembers participating in traditional dance performances, and from those experiences, he aspired to be a star singer. At age 8, he asked his parents to buy him records of famous performers from Sinaloa and Durango, well-known for mariachi. He recalls every day after school, singing out loud for hours. “Every time I sang, everything was happier for me.”
Unfortunately, at 9 years old, his family was forced to move. He would never again have contact with those childhood friends. The move was an especially trying time for the family. They arrived in Vicente Guerrero, a rough neighborhood on the outskirts of Oaxaca City. The tiny two-room house was under construction, and they didn’t even have a kitchen to prepare meals.
However, after the initial shock, he and his family started to adapt. He found a certain solace in school, especially with music. But because he was talented academically, his dad encouraged him to study architecture or mathematics.
Ironically, Joaquin recalls that his dad had a voice like the famous Vicente Fernandez (a famous mariachi singer and symbol of Mexican culture and tradition) and had an appreciation for music, having taken free music classes at the local cultural center. However, his day job took him on the road.
It was from one of those off-site jobs, that they got the news that his dad had passed. It was especially tough, as he had not been nearby. Joaquin remembers that days after the funeral services, he returned to school, and all his classmates hugged him. The death of his father was the most difficult, impactful moment of his life.
From the hard times, a blessing was born. Joaquin heard about a music school. (This incredible music school project has been supported by Fr. Scott and TASH for the past ten years, owing to Fr. Scott’s relationship with a local priest, Jose Renteria). Subscriptions were open. He applied and was accepted. Joaquin was so emotional about the opportunity, as the school also covers the costs of low-income students. He ended up on the trombone and after their first music concert,
he knew this is what he wanted to pursue. He appreciates dedicated teachers, like Vladimir Medina and Roger Bobo. After years of effort, support, and following his dream, Joaquin has a full scholarship to the best music program in Mexico City and received the scholarship to study abroad.
Thanks to the extreme generosity of the TASH community, we can support ancillary projects like the Santa Cecilia School for Music, which allows young people, like Joaquin, to overcome enormous odds and pursue their dreams. You can learn more about the partners’ organizations: https://tashinc.org/about/our-partners/
