Today we’d like to introduce you to Josue Esteves.
Hi Josue, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am 35 years old and was born in Venezuela, specifically in the city of Barcelona, Anzoátegui State. I am the third of four siblings (all boys). In Venezuela, I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Administration and a Master’s Degree in Production Management. After graduating from college, I obtained my US visa, which allowed me to travel to the United States for work, as I worked as an internal auditor for a Venezuelan airline. On March 10, 2019, during one of my trips to the United States, I decided to stay in Miami for a few days to get away from the severe political, social, and economic crisis Venezuela was going through. After a week in Miami, I received some messages on Instagram from someone asking if I knew the person in the photo they had sent me. I saw that it was the driver’s license of my older brother, who had immigrated to the United States in September 2018. At that moment, my life changed completely. My brother lived in Atlanta and worked as a taxi driver. In the early morning of March 17, 2019, he was involved in a traffic accident. A drunk driver rear-ended him while my brother was waiting at an intersection for the light to turn green so he could continue on his way. My brother was taken to the nearest hospital and received all possible medical attention. On the afternoon of March 18, I boarded a flight to Atlanta and, upon arriving at the hospital, received devastating news: my brother had been declared brain dead that same day at 1:00 p.m. It was the worst pain I had ever felt in my life. My family and I had high hopes, only to have them instantly dashed. We decided to donate my brother’s organs, and on March 20, 2019, at 10:00 p.m., they held an honor walk, paying their final respects to my brother as a hero for his sacrifice. I decided to stay in the United States to deal with my brother’s situation and the political crisis in Venezuela. My brother’s body was able to be repatriated to Venezuela. Since then, I’ve been through the worst situations of my life, but I decided to be strong and move forward. I’ve had ups and downs, but I’ve managed to recover. It’s been a very difficult learning process, far from my country, from my family, alone, but with the support of excellent people I’ve met since that March 18, 2019. Over time, I’ve prepared myself, acquiring skills and knowledge that have led me to currently work as an industrial electrician and, at the same time, as a health insurance advisor.
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 been an easy road, but it hasn’t been impossible either. The biggest challenge was dealing with my brother’s death, as well as being alone, far from my family.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently work as an industrial electrician for one of Georgia’s leading electric companies. I also work as a health insurance advisor. I’m known for being a responsible, goal-oriented person. I’m very proud of my family; thanks to them, I’m the person I’ve become.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
The moments of celebration with my family, especially during the Christmas season.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
All photos are personal, from my cell phone.
