{"id":784162,"date":"2026-05-09T11:45:26","date_gmt":"2026-05-09T11:45:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/784162\/"},"modified":"2026-05-09T11:45:26","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T11:45:26","slug":"where-i-live-west-side","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/784162\/","title":{"rendered":"Where I Live: West Side"},"content":{"rendered":"

The\u00a0Where I Live\u00a0series<\/a> aims to showcase our diverse city and region by spotlighting its many vibrant neighborhoods. Each week a local resident invites us over and lets us in on what makes their neighborhood special. Have we been to your neighborhood yet?\u00a0Get in touch<\/a>\u00a0to share your story. If your story is selected and published, you will receive a $250 stipend.<\/p>\n

I call myself the \u201cVolunteer of the West Side.\u201d I live by Guadalupe Lumber. I try to be present wherever I am needed, whether it is for organizations, community events or neighbors who need support. As many people know, I am not much of a talker. I do not speak often, but I show my love through action by doing work for my community and serving the people I care about.<\/p>\n

I am part of Circles in the Hood<\/a>, a grassroots youth leadership organization made up of members from all over San Antonio. Our main focus is supporting the community through a circle, keeping and sharing resources that support youth leadership and intergenerational mentorship. I serve as one of the youth leaders. We have people working behind the scenes, but also people working directly with the community. Our mentors include Laura Rios-Ramirez, Miguel Reyes, Luissana Santib\u00e1\u00f1ez, Madeleine Santib\u00e1\u00f1ez, community educators who use Youth Participatory Action Research approaches, as well as Kimiya Factory and Alvaro Ramirez, who continue to uplift the organization.<\/p>\n

I was born in Eagle Pass but raised in San Antonio on the West Side, which shaped who I am today and continues to guide my purpose.<\/p>\n

\"\"Fray Xavier Reyes poses for a portrait in front of one of his favorite murals on the West Side. Credit: Clint Datchuk for the San Antonio Report<\/p>\n

Sometimes I see myself like the character El Chapul\u00edn Colorado, from the Mexican superhero television series with the same name created by Roberto G\u00f3mez Bola\u00f1os. One line that stays with me is, \u201cNo contaban con mi astucia.\u201d It reminds me to show up wherever I am needed, even in quiet ways.<\/p>\n

I am also a photographer. My dream is to one day open my own photography business, a space that serves my community and also supports neurodivergent people who are interested in photography by giving them opportunities, guidance and creative expression.<\/p>\n

I work at events for free or for donations because my goal is not to profit, but to document my community and bring joy through images. My work does not only stay in Texas. It has spread to Tennessee. My first camera was gifted in November 2024 by my mentor Lupito Acu\u00f1a, marking the start of my journey.<\/p>\n

One of my first photography experiences was capturing Graciela S\u00e1nchez of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center. Through the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center<\/a>, I also met Amelia Valdez and Leticia Sanchez, who both taught me lessons I will never forget \u2014 to never give up on my dreams and to keep pushing forward no matter the challenges. I also want to mention Carlos Pe\u00f1a, a disabled veteran who has taken care of me and my mom since I was 12 years old, and who has shown me the importance of resilience, care and giving back to the community. <\/p>\n

\"\"Xavier Reyes speaks with ceramics artist Sierah Solis at Casa de Cuentos, a community center operated by the Esperanza Justice & Peace Center, where they offer a space for those interested to learn ceramics and other forms of crafting art.<\/p>\n

I want to recognize Bread and Blankets Mutual Aid<\/a>, a community effort I became familiar with through Susana Segura and her family. Through this connection, I have learned more about my community and the people within it. Susana Segura has taught me a lot about care, service, and understanding community needs. Another person I want to recognize is Sandra Mart\u00ednez, who also plays an important role in supporting and serving the community. I still support and help the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center when I can, although now I focus more on school and my responsibilities.<\/p>\n

In my free time, I enjoy photography, boleros, and old school music. I like to visit San Antonio Cultural Arts, where instructors care deeply for children, especially Wild Honeypot, who teaches them creative art.<\/p>\n

I also visit the Mexican American Studies program at UTSA Downtown Campus. I admire the energy and care of Doctora Salda\u00f1a, Doctora Mendoza, Ms. Soliz and Mr. Yglesias, who continue to inspire me to serve my community.<\/p>\n

I am currently a student at San Antonio College studying journalism. I face challenges with food insecurity and transportation. Long bus rides and train delays can make getting to school difficult and sometimes the train blocks the street for a couple of hours. I spend long nights editing photos while balancing schoolwork. Living with dyslexia makes reading and writing more challenging, but I continue pushing forward because of my goals and responsibilities.<\/p>\n

Another challenge I face is balancing everything in my daily life. The long nights, schoolwork and photography responsibilities can feel overwhelming, but they also remind me why I keep going. <\/p>\n

\"\"Fray Xavier Reyes loves hanging out at Casa de Cuentos, a community center on the West Side operated by the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center. Credit: Clint Datchuk for the San Antonio Report<\/p>\n

I am a graduate of Lanier High School, where I was supported by many mentors including Lieutenant Colonel Bueno, First Sergeant Bruce, Sergeant Gonzalez and teachers Jennifer Arce, Gina Guerrero and Mr. Romero. Their belief in me helped shape who I am today.<\/p>\n

I have also been accepted into the Highlander Center program in Knoxville, Tennessee, a place connected to the legacy of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr.<\/p>\n

When I am not working or studying, I enjoy walking around my neighborhood and visiting local restaurants. Mi Ranchito is near Guadalupe Lumber and Linda\u2019s Mexican Restaurant is near Guadalupe Street.<\/p>\n

Through my lens, the West Side is never just a place \u2014 it is a living story that I am still learning how to tell. And just like El Chapul\u00edn Colorado, I continue to show up where I am needed, even when no one expects me to.<\/p>\n

\"\"Fray Xavier Reyes takes photos of his neighborhood, the West Side, which he documents with love. Credit: Clint Datchuk for the San Antonio Report<\/p>\n

For anyone who wants to follow my story, you can find me on Instagram at Mr._Hop21<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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