Life & Work with Michelle Bricio of Boyle Heights

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Bricio

Hi Michelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. I am 42 years old. I studied communications and sociology at university. I then worked as a communications manager at a government trade school for many years. I was then moved into administration before I was laid off [after 7 years]. So then at 36 years old, I was educated but unemployed, and I was not sure what exactly I wanted to do – if I wanted to find work in the same area or do something different. I like to think that I myself have agency in life – that luck is not the only thing, and that one needs to search for other possibilities and opportunities follow. I have always been curious about living and working in another country, to get to know different people and cultures and discover a different world than my own.
I could work and I could practice the language (English) that I always wanted to learn. Besides, California is not that far from Guadalajara.

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?
I am still in the process of learning English because of a slight professional barrier [since the jobs I have had have many Spanish speakers]. Like a good Mexican I am not scared of hard work. I have worked cleaning homes, washed dishes in restaurants, been a nanny, and a waitress. Since I migrated 5 years ago I now feel stable in all aspects of my life.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Since I arrived I have heard many different stories of migration told to me by people that I came to know in the places I have worked. All of which have had a great impression on me. These people explained to me the reasons why they migrated, what had happened, whom they came with, whom they came to, and how long ago they came.

What made a great impression on me were the stories of struggle, desperation, hard work, loneliness, homesickness and missing loved ones. But at the same time these stories are also about overcoming challenges, strength, courage, and adaptability.

There are many reasons why people migrate. But no matter the reason, as migrants, we go through a similar and important process of personal growth. And coming to know these inspirational stories is of great value to me.

Today, five years since I came to this country, I finally feel a little more stable. I had the idea of creating a podcast for many years, and finally now I could achieve it through my radio show. [The show] is on KQBH 101.5 FM, it is called “Foranea, Empezar desde Cero, Historias de Migrantes contadas por sus protagonistas” (Roam, Starting from zero, stories of migrants in their own voices) and airs every Wednesday.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I feel fortunate that I can say that I came here without knowing anyone and that today, after 5 years, I have created a community of friends and a lovely husband.

My mom, my sister and all my family and my friends in Mexico and here in the United States have always been very important in my life. My friend Juan Gómez, who invited me to come to the country, he was the one who urged me to come. My friend Tita Aguayo, who took me into her home without even knowing me. And my husband gave me unconditional support.

Community is very powerful and important when you come to live in another country. Friends give you strength, safety, confidence, and will to keep going.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @foranearadio
• Facebook: @foranearadio
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForaneaEmpezardesdeCero

Image Credits
Juan Aguirre