Estebans Story

When people look at me on the street, they change sides very quickly. That makes me sad. I would like to introduce you to who I am:

 

I was born in Mazatlán (Sinaloa). During my childhood each day was a new journey of Taekwondo. Competitions fascinated me, but from an early age, I learned the true meaning of respect, appreciation for others, and inner stability. These early lessons became the foundations of my future life, preparing me for what was to come.

After achieving the black belt in Taekwondo, I felt the need to explore new sporting horizons. I embarked on my journey with Bodyboarding and participated in competitions, but it was Surfing that truly captured my attention. In my adolescence, weekends were for skateboarding, but it was when I started working on the beach that I fully immersed myself in the waves.

At the age of 17, I finished school and plunged directly into the world of tourism. Active work on boats, with jet skis, parachutes, and surf lessons provided me with unparalleled satisfaction. After years of tirelessly working seven days a week, I realized I could provide financially for my family, but I also understood that life required more than just financial stability as I aged.

At 40, I made the decision to move to Nayarit to work as a shaper and surf instructor at "Wildmex Surfschool and Adventure Center." This experience led me to obtain an ISA certificate and discover the importance of working with people with disabilities, children, and families. I consider myself an active person, always seeking new challenges, whether facing the waves in Pascuales, Michoacán, or developing my work to support my compatriots.

My time at "Wildmex" made me reflect on the profit-oriented nature of the company, and in early 2023, I decided to join a smaller, more family-oriented company, "Marea Surf School" in Sayulita. Since then, I have worked as a surf instructor and shaper.

I am fluent in English and Spanish, and my social skills include resilience, teamwork, and assertiveness. In my free time, I enjoy walking my dog, cooking, and immersing myself in reading. During vacations, I like to travel to Mazatlán to reunite with my family and son, reconnecting with my roots.

When I envision the future, I see myself alongside my girlfriend, building our own small NGO here in Nayarit. Her constant support propels me to realize that I can be more than just a simple worker. My dream is to help children overcome the lack of prospects for their future, providing them with stability.

With Almar I want to find satisfaction in an atmosphere that values human connection more than financial gain, which I consider could be the first step in the right direction to a better future for everyone.