A Dreamer is Born
Those of us who have met Tomas Evangelista, know him to be friendly, smart and energetic. But how did he come to be this good at contributing to society, considering his status as a DACA recipient? Perhaps a look back on Tomas’ early years will provide some insight. His story is colorful, filled with people who suffered, were brave for him and taught him that family isn’t just the one into which you are born. He feels a responsibility to honor all those who extended a hand to pull him up and inspired him to make a difference. He is grateful for all the people who helped, protected and encouraged him as he grew up and he wants to pay them, and their community, back by serving its citizens.
Born in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, in the small town of Morelita, he never really knew his father who migrated north to the U.S. and, in essence, abandoned the family once he reached his destination. Tomas was blessed with strong women in his family. Left behind, Tomas’ mother remained with his grandmother, providing for the family through subsistence farming and making sombreros. His grandmother took care of the family in Mexico when his mother, Alejandra Torres, went north to Santa Barbara and within a month was able to send money home to the family. And…she met his stepfather there.
When he was 2 years old, Tomas and his brother joined their mother in Santa Barbara and started pre-school. But tragedy struck when his mother developed cancer, returning to Mexico for treatment and the boys went to live with their grandparents who were then living in Los Angeles. Sadly, his mother survived only a few months and the boys went to live with an aunt and uncle in Auburn, their grandparents joining them later. Understandably, all the moving and the loss of his mother had a lasting impact on this young man, especially his ongoing, long-term wish to visit her grave in Mexico.
But all this instability and sadness came to a reassuring end in the city of Auburn where he was joined by additional family, made friends and was blessed by caring teachers who understood and cared about the cultural differences these boys had experienced. Tomas states that, because of frequent moves, he attended every school in town and had “the best childhood because of his family and the supportive community” he found in Auburn. He grew up thinking anything was possible because his family and community “guarded” him from some of the harsh realities of life.
In high school he learned the real meaning of being “undocumented”, coming to understand the full implications and what it would mean for his life. But his support system of coaches, teachers and mentors helped him apply to college, keeping alive his dream and his mother’s wishes for him. She had instilled in him the need for education and to help others on his life’s path. “I wasn’t the smartest,” he jokes, “but I had the most drive.” As a non-citizen, Tomas learned how difficult it can be to get that education, applying to five colleges, but not being accepted because he had no Social Security number. He used his athletic abilities in track and field to gain admission to American River College, graduating with an AA degree. When he entered Stanislaus College in Turlock, he needed to let the Track coach know about his undocumented status to help bypass the requirement of a social security number for admission. Although he almost didn’t graduate because he couldn’t qualify for financial aid due to his status, he successfully earned a BA in Kinesiology thanks to a former Placer coach and ten Auburn residents who helped him pay tuition with a $100 donation each semester.
He has kept a list of all those in Auburn who supported and encouraged him – he will never forget them and he and his wife, Natalie, intend to work for and pay back this community that supported him.
What does Tomas plan for the future? His goal is to become an attorney and represent his community in public office. He’s currently working for the California Department of Public Health gaining experience in public speaking and learning how to solve the big problems, something his current Census work and Covid-19 vaccine distribution has shown him. And one day, when he has been able to get permanent immigrant status, he plans to run for public office. He’s already started his own business, Evangelista Community Relations, to work on community outreach and field organizing to prepare the public on how to be heard and give them a greater voice.
And, one day, you can look for the name Tomas Evangelista on the ballot so he can pay back and help move his community forward.
