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Hector Oropeza |
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Hector Oropeza
Age: 43
Paroling to: San Jose, CA
Family: 5 biological sisters. 2 biological brothers. 4 foster sisters. 3 foster brothers. 1 son. 2 daughters. Many nephews & nieces.
Why did you join the T.R.U.S.T.?
I was approached by then T.R.U.S.T. Chairman, George Lam, who told me that Dr. Mendez was looking for me who wanted to make a difference. Seeing that there is a need for a program that addresses the various issues—drug addiction; self-esteem; time management; employment; and parole etc—I wanted to be a part of establishing the T.R.U.S.T.
What does being a T.R.U.S.T. Fellow mean to you?
It means trying to be part of the solution to crime and recidivism and the pain that comes with it. It means helping others make the same changes that have occurred in me. It means being part of something good and worthy.
Since coming to prison, what have you accomplished?
Machinist Trade 1996. Mechanical Drafting 1999. CAD Drafting 2000. T.R.U.S.T. Training 2003. R.E.A.L. Choices training 2004. Sheet Metal 2005. A.A. Degree—Patten University 2005.
Through the various vocational and educational completions, I have grown into a person of great value who also appreciates others.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
I like calculus, drawing, writing, and exercising. I am interested in learning to play the guitar.
What programs are you involved with other than the T.R.U.S.T.?
R.E.A.L. Choices.
Project Choice.
A.A. College Program.
Restorative Justice.
Project Reach.
One-on-one Self Help.
Thousand Mile Club.
Sheet Metal (Vocational)
What kind of work do you do with the “inside” and/or “outside” communities?
Inside I tutor other inmates in math and writing. I also do legal work for free. I counsel “at-risk” youth in the R.E.A.L. Choices program and assist in facilitating Project Choice when needed. I run for raising money for children’s hospital via thousand mile club.
How do you live up to the T.R.U.S.T. value system? How do you promote the ideals of the T.R.U.S.T. outside the workshops?
I use the communication skills and speak to others about approving their own lives and community. I volunteer in tutoring. I watch my eating and promote exercising.
What do you want to do after you parole?
I want to work and save for retirement. Have a family and teach the younger family members what I learned.
What are your long-term goals?
I want to start an out-look for youth so they can go somewhere to talk about their problems. I want to teach others math. I want to buy property by pulling the family together and issuing shares in property.
Personal message to the outside community:
There is the “tough on crime” approach where you put someone away for a long time therefore spending a lot of money on health care and keeping them alive, or the “smart on crime” approach where you teach others to get smart through education and purging old habits while giving them the skills to better themselves, their family, and community. Programs like the T.R.U.S.T. and College is what reduces crimes because they provide skills. Sitting on a shelf for many years only turns you into a bitter person who becomes desperate and leads to more crime, or homelessness.
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