!Tell Us Your Story!

This New Year, is the perfect opportunity to share the inspiring story of a very special person and, for those of us who know him, a dear friend; his name is Jesus Leon Arvizu.  He is originally from Magdalena de Kino, Sonora and US Citizen residing in Tucson. Jesus is an example of hard working “Si Se Puede” pride for the Hispanic community because he exemplifies the ideal that anything is possible if you work hard enough to achieve your goals. Jesus was the first in his family whom decided to attend the University of Arizona in Tucson, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Science and Public Administration. To those of us who know him and are lucky enough to be his friend, he always has a caring, heartfelt word and a bright smile to offer. He is an exceptionally optimistic person that always finds the positive aspects in life’s difficult situations.

He is extraordinary committed to helping others, especially through his work in the Social Security Administration where he has been dedicated his professional life for more than 38 years. During these years, he worked in several Social Security Administration locations within The United States and he us now established at the local office in South Tucson. Jesus, like many of his coworkers in South Tucson, is bilingual because of the large Hispanic presence in that specific location and area, helping those whose circumstances require individual meetings and provides information effectively to them and to all who come the office to seek help. Issuing Social Security numbers to all residents and citizens of The United States, is only one of many other services offered by The Social Security Administration. Other services including retirement benefits, disability, supplemental security benefits, Medicare, early retirement due to an accident and much more. For more information and questions about these and other services, please visit their website, www.ssa.gov

The purpose of these interviews or profiles is to inform our readers about key individuals in our community and how they impact our lives in different ways with their contribution. In this specific occasion, Jesus Arvizu Leon shared with Arizona Bilingual Newspaper just a little bit of his extensive professional and personal life.

AG: How old were you when you started realizing your dreams?

JA: At 15 years old, I always thought I would change the lives of other people.

AG: Besides your current career, what could be another career you may be interested in?

JA: Medicine, been a doctor could help improving the health of those around me.

AG: What is one of your greatest achievements?

JA: As employees, we have the moral and civic duty to contribute to the growth of the organization, therefore I am always thinking of new ways to contribute to both my job and my community. This innovative thinking led to one of my greatest accomplishments. I am very proud of the fact that I contributed to the creation of the first documents to be translated in Spanish for the Social Security Administration.

AG: Is there something people don’t know about you?

JA: I served as a Sargent in the National Guard, which gave me the opportunity to travel to different countries around the world and allowed me to give back to our great nation that has given my family and me so much, and for which I am very grateful.

AG: Any memorable moment of your life you like to share with us?

JA: The moment I became a United States Citizen.

AG: Any role models in your life?

JA: Martin Luther King Jr.

AG: Any hobbies? What is it that you enjoy to do in your everyday life?

JA: I enjoy the administration aspect of my job, solving problems, and helping to better our community. I also like to garden, ride my bicycle, walking in the park, cooking mole with rice and traveling to different countries around the world, I love that! I have traveled to over 20 countries!

AG: What would you like to be recognized for? How would you describe you career?

JA: I would like to be recognized for being friendly and respectful. I consider my career to be successful and very satisfying.

AG: After your retirement, is there any occupation you may like to pursue?

JA: I would like to be the director of a travel agency.

AG: Can you tell us about your personal goals and any rituals you practice to start your day if any?

JA: One of my goals is to make someone happy every day. I breathe, relax, meditate and thank God and the Virgen of Guadalupe for another day. The Virgen of Guadalupe is my most precious amulet.

AG: Is there any organization you support and the reason why you decided to support it?

JA: Yes, I support the American Diabetes Foundation. Many members of my family have been diagnosed with diabetes and I hope to be able to contribute to other families whom also have diabetes. I am also very proud to be a part of U of A Hispanic Alumni.

AG: Any advices for the young?

JA: Never stop dreaming and visualizing what they would like to be. Dreams do come true, but it is very important to continue their education and discipline, this is a country of opportunity and there are many resources available. When we get educated, our dreams come true!

AG: And last but not least, how would your family and friends describe you?

JA: Probably as a happy, funny and loving man, very respectful and passionate about life! Always remember that when you work hard you can achieve anything, there are no limits!

Dear readers, this story is full of overcoming obstacles, optimism, sacrifice, loyalty, humanity, and professionalism. However, it is more than that; it is a story of an incredible human being that fills our community with pride. Don’t you think?

Until next time!

If you’d like to read this story in Spanish, please visit click here or find your free copy of our January Edition available in over 2,000 distribution points including 150 Circle K’s

Alma R. Gallardo

alma@newsazb.com