Here’s a youth doing great work for others in Colorado
AN AWESOME YOUNG PERSON
Interview by Madi Thompson - Youth Advisor
THOMAS OROZCO
A PRETTY AMAZING GUY
Some people inspire others without knowing the positive footprint they are leaving while doing so; inspiring others with their amazing story of survival in some of the darkest of times. Thomas Orozco has this ability; to inspire people by living his life the way he does in such a positive way, and always with a smile on his face, and by willing to share his story with the community and honestly, the world, to make a difference. When he started telling his story I was wowed and inspired by his strength, passion, and perseverance. Here is his story.
WHO IS HE?
Thomas is 22 years old and comes from a big family. His mom was “16 and pregnant” so as a young child, he moved around a lot. In Thomas’ opinion, many low-income apartments in bad neighborhoods and multiple types of abuse is the perfect combination for a rough upbringing. Eventually, and in his opinion, not soon enough, he went into foster care at age fifteen, which did not surprise him since he and his mother had a very rocky relationship and past.
HOW DID HE OVERCOME ALL THE UPS AND DOWNS IN LIFE?
First foster care then a transitional crisis center and eventually six months in a rehab center saved his life and put him on a more positive path. The youth rehab center taught him how to be a real person and things about life and survival that he needed to know. Like so many teens when they are in a program and turn 18, he was thrown out on the streets which led to more trouble as his safety net was gone. He couldn’t get a job and ended up living in his car which he stated “was a better situation than others I had. God blessed me and I did not get in as much trouble as my friends. I started thinking about my future and what I wanted in my life. In the meantime I went to jail for a little while for some more poor choices I had made. I got put on probation which helped me get involved with the United Way. I still had issues with doing the right thing and I decided to be homeless for a month to reevaluate my life.” That’s when he found The United Way and it saved his life.
WHAT’S HE UP TO THESE DAYS?
Life is getting easier and happier for Thomas these days. He has hobbies which include art, writing, music, guitar and the love of his newly found profession, carpentry. He and his new wife will soon have another job they will share together; Parenthood. Thomas can’t wait for the arrival of his son at the end of July.
HOW DID HE BECOME INVOLVED WITH CO9to25?
He heard about CO9to25 through his other job working for the Denver Collaborative Partnership. He is a youth representative for them and working on helping to change things in foster care for youth. He likes to be leading youth, talking to them, and helping and inspiring as much as possible.
WHY DOES HE CARE?
He is passionate about just trying to be somebody who makes a difference in the lives of others. Thomas stated “GOD drives me to be a better person. He gives me a lot of hope and faith”.
WHAT DOES HE WANT TO SEE CHANGE FOR YOUTH?
Thomas felt a lot more focus on closeness in families and children’s education was at the top of his list. He also feels that families need to be more monitored so that children do not continue to fall through the cracks and end up in tough situations like his.
HIS ADVICE TO THE YOUTH READING THIS…
If he could offer any advice to youth it would be that “anybody can do what they want with their life. Learn from your past and look towards the future. Stay focused and if you want something, you can have it. If you don’t know what love and support feels like get involved in organizations like the United Way or CO9to25. Everyone is only there to benefit from everyone. There is a whole other side of life you will find within these organizations”.
AND FOR THE ADULTS IN THE ROOM…
And if there are any adults reading this interview, Thomas stated “I think they need to know that there is a lot to learn from youth, one being that youth are great. They need to listen more and put the youth on their level and try to connect.”
If you are interested in becoming involved in CO9to25, as an organization or a member of the team please contact Ana Soler!
Thomas’ interview can be found on
