Normally a 10 year old would be considered a child; however, at the age of 10, Diego Medina saw himself as a young man when his parents divorced. He began working in the fields and mowing lawns on the weekends to assist his mother with their household bills.
Over the years, Medina had countless setbacks, and he found it more and more difficult to get ahead. In his early 30s, he found himself married, the father of three children, and unemployed. Nevertheless, he had not lost hope. Medina had a strong desire to better himself and provide a financially secure future for his family. He saw becoming a skilled tradesman as the way to overcome life’s obstacles and reverse the cycle of poverty for his family.
“I want to be a role model to my children and show them everything is possible,” Medina said.
A Life-Changing Decision
Medina heard about the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement. Based in Mercedes but serving the entire Rio Grande Valley, VIDA provides comprehensive services that help unemployed and underemployed residents turn setbacks into stepping stones. In addition to providing financial support for tuition, books, tools, uniforms and other essential needs while pursuing certifications and degrees, VIDA provides individual and group counseling to address topics such as time management, studying, budgeting, stress, and interviewing skills, as well as guest speakers who inspire persistence and resilience. VIDA participants also perform community service, which allows them to show their gratitude for the benefits they are receiving because of the generous support of foundations, governmental entities and individual donors.
Medina applied to VIDA and earned acceptance. A resident of Brownsville, he enrolled in the welding program at Texas Southmost College. He envisioned himself as a pipefitter and a welding instructor, educating and training the next generation of welders.
Medina sees the field of welding as one that will provide him with job security and, as a result, peace of mind.
“Growing up, I had many setbacks,” Medina said, “but now I am on the right track and I’m ready to make things right.”
Medina graduated in October, earning an industry-recognized credential in welding. He has already been hired by Brownsville ISD as a welding instructor. Now, Medina not only serves as a role model to his own children but to all of the students in his welding classes.