Paying it Forward
Enrique Flores '01 comes from a working-class/low-income family. Both of his parents are immigrants and arrived in this country with hopes of providing a better future for their children. His father has worked for SCU as a custodian for almost three decades. Enrique wrote:
"My own story of wrestling with racism, poverty, gang violence, mental health struggles, and anger is captured in my recently published book, Barrio Side Hero. Part of my journey includes the many caring Jesuit priests who encouraged me to apply for a scholarship to Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose. That scholarship changed my life. I was then able to attend SCU, earning a BS in Sociology in 2001, and an MA in Counseling Psychology in 2006. The sociology program helped me name the realities that I experienced, as well as provided me with tools to address issues plaguing my community.
I have devoted over 20 years to mentoring at-risk and high-risk youth, including after returning to the San Jose neighborhood where I grew up. Founding East Side Heroes in 2003 allowed me to continue empowering youth to realize their academic potential through scholarships to top high schools and to find better ways to live. I also created the Corazon Program for young people. One related project is to have teens paint murals on otherwise rundown or graffiti-covered walls in their neighborhoods. As a result, they take pride in expressing themselves more positively via these “Murals with a Message.” Surprisingly, there has not been opposition from gangs. I have learned that the key to leaving a gang safely is not an overt announcement, but a slow disengagement by investing time and energy in healthier pro-social activities.
SCU’s Alumni Association granted me the Ignatian Award in 2010 because of my dedication to low income families and youth. As the youngest recipient in the University’s history, this award recognizes alumni who live the SCU ideals of Competence, Conscience, and Compassion, and who have been a credit to the Alumni Association and the University through outstanding service to humanity. I am happy to be able to pay forward the blessings I received."