My Heritage Is Central to Who I Am and the Work That I Do

By Oscar De Los Santos, Representative for District 11 in the Arizona House of Representatives, Assistant Democratic Leader, and HECHO HCLC member.  

My heritage is central to who I am and the work that I do. I am the proud son of two immigrants from Mexico, Gregorio and Maria Dolores, from small little town of about 5,000 residents in the state of Jalisco. Although they had known each other since they were kids, they immigrated to the United States separately and married here. 

I am the youngest of five kids, and our parents, like many immigrant families, prioritized our education and educational opportunities. So, when I graduated college, I chose teaching as a career. I became a public school teacher in a low-income school in South Phoenix, teaching 6th graders how to think critically. Teaching was especially touching because, unfortunately, there aren't enough Latino male teachers in our schools. Being an educator was a phenomenal experience to make a difference, and I am proud to have played a role in the lives of the children from my neighborhood. 

 Today, I am proud to represent a district in Arizona with a large immigrant population. Serving our people is something I don't take lightly.  

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s important to recognize our contemporary contributions to the country, as well as the important role that Hispanics have played in the nation’s history. 

To point to one example: We have Mexican families who have been living here for generations, including some long before Arizona became a U.S. state.  

Our Hispanic heritage, food, music, and traditions are essential to who we are in Arizona. Our contributions to the culture and economy of the state cannot be overstated. And Hispanic Heritage Month is an excellent opportunity to reflect on that.  

Alongside our cultural richness, Arizona’s blessed to have some of the world’s most beautiful natural wonders. I am proud that the district I represent has the beautiful South Mountain, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. 

My passion for the outdoors started when I was just a kid. Growing up, my dad, uncle, brothers, and I would go hiking like clockwork every Sunday morning. That family routine instilled in me a love for nature and appreciation for all of the incredible health benefits – both physical and mental -- it provides.  

For me, spending time outdoors is synonymous with family because that’s what we did: camping, hiking, and exploring nature together.  

These experiences have impacted the way I see conservation. I think too often some people think that human issues are separate from environmental issues. But as I learned more about both, it was clear that both are intrinsically connected. The water we drink, the air we breathe, and the lands we live on significantly impact our health and well-being.  

That’s why I strongly believe that by taking care of the land and the environment, we are also taking care of ourselves.  

As a legislator, one of the actions I am most proud of is to have introduced a constitutional amendment that, if passed, would have provided a right to all Arizonans to a clean and healthy environment.  

There is no us without nature. It is vitally important we take care of it for current and future generations.