A message from Class 32 Alum, Javier Medina: 

When I started this program people kept saying this experience was “life changing”. I asked myself what they could mean by that. How could it be life changing, I wondered. Would this lead to a new job? I wasn’t really looking for a new job. Would I be going into politics? Is that how a career in politics starts? I admit that when I was young, I always had an interest in politics but as I got older, I just felt that it was out of reach for someone like me.

I came into this program feeling out of place, I felt like I did not belong here. The other participants were so impressive, and I felt like I must have either got lucky, or just snuck in somehow but bottom line, I was afraid. I was definitely afraid of public speaking, I was afraid of not being smart enough, I was afraid of failing and most of all: letting everybody down. Early in the program I gave a speech and as hard as I tried to keep it together, I cried. It was my worst fear coming to life and I just wanted to hide because I couldn’t believe I was failing already. The other participants did so well, and I went through the same training as they did but I couldn’t even deliver a good speech?! What is wrong with me, I thought. Not only that, but CRYING? How embarrassing. But then something happened, I looked around the room and saw other people crying. Then I finished my speech and everybody stood up and clapped. That was one of the best moments of my life and I think it brought our class closer together.

I finally felt like I can do this, but also, I realized that maybe other people felt like me too. I shared parts of my life that I had never talked about, and people connected with it! Since then, I’ve felt like everything I’ve ever done, all my experiences both good and bad have brought be to this moment in my life.
Like it was all for a purpose, and maybe I have a purpose as well. Each seminar that followed showed me a different part of the state and reminded me of a lot of the issues that have been around me my whole life. I am from rural Arizona, these are the issues that directly affect me and my family, these are the issues that are affecting my community, still to this day.

I think the biggest takeaway is that to get something done, you just have to go and do it. It’s okay to be scared, it’s ok to be different, and it’s definitely ok to cry. But at the end of it all, we are all in this together. Despite our differences, we are a lot more similar than we think. Now, I look at the term “life changing” in a whole new way.

I’m not making more money, but everything I have is more valuable to me. I didn’t change jobs, but I have new purpose. And I’m not going into politics, but I now know how to make a difference. This program is “life changing” in all of the best ways, and I finally understand what that means to me. I’m a better father, a better husband, and a better leader. So good job Project CENTRL! This program changed my life.

Will you join me in making a financial gift this Giving Tuesday?

Click here or visit www.centrl.org/donate 

Javier Medina, Class 32, Yuma