Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Zaragoza.
Andrew, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I want to say my story has been devoting exponentially since our last check-in.
I’ve “semi-retired” from my time working in education and have been enjoying an office job in my local mental health care sector of the county. It’s been a journey and has only substantiated my efforts in the arts field as well.
But I mean, for the new readers, I was born in Lakewood and spent most of my formative years in Artesia, Cerritos by vicinity, and Norwalk. Those are my hometowns because I traveled between them among different homes. I graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. My plans are to pursue a Master’s at my Alma Mater and to continue with Doctorate level coursework.
In due time.
I’ve also published some books related to poetry to cover the intersection of relationships, family systems, substance use, faith, identity, cultural commentary, and resilience. It’s my attempt to synthesize these in my work as I continue to grow forward in subsequent books.
I’ve also made several contributions to other publications related to psychedelic treatments and harm reduction which has been a recent venture lately and I’m happy to bring forth these to light as I continue.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t.
I want to say the struggles have been more personal than systemic or vocational for me.
I had a couple of stints of exhaustion and anxiety-related issues in my early adulthood years. They were great lessons in building out my own self-care along the way but it didn’t stop my efforts in the building.
I was still going to school, taking care of work, and my own future build-out. I’ve faced several obstacles such as displacement, family loss, and even my own efforts to cope in unhealthy ways.
I didn’t expect a smooth road, to be honest, which I think led to the outcomes of where I’m at now. Nonetheless, I’m thankful for those that supported me along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I mean it’s a loaded question haha.
My “work” is like this amalgamation of the helping profession, creative pursuits, and healing.
I’m most proud of my books and the way I speak. The way I carry myself and the ability I have to be quenched by curiosity.
That’s what sets me apart from others. I want to know.
It’s led me to all these avenues. I want to say my specialization is in synthesis. Synthesizing these experiences into the vocation I’m in the books I write, and the designs I make. I was raised in the arts by my grandmother and then self-taught.
The formal training and classes have been a blessing but I’ve done my own self-teaching to supplement that. I tend to be a shoot-then-aim kind of person. Very experimental.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I love the shock factor. Like when I’m on a topic with a friend about my authorship, I’ll tangent into my music album and they’ll instantly find out there’s more to the Rubix Cube of Andrew.
But I think that something surprising about me most folks don’t know about is that I still live at home with my family.
I’m not some guy that lives in an LA penthouse for the sake of being in LA. Los Angeles to me is still rooted.
For that, I’m deeply grateful for my beginnings and to still remain there until I’m ready to flock.
Pricing:
- Donation-based
- Honorarium- negotiable
- Designs – starting at $20
- Books $15- softcover $35 – hardcover
- Keynote Speaking – negotiable
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Andrewascended
Image Credits
Diana Redman and Andrew Rogers
