Isael Vega: Doing It

ISAEL: My Dad’s family was among the first to move to Troncones. My mom’s family came a little later. Both came from farming families. For my first few years, we lived right in town, so I had lots of playmates. We didn’t have television so we just interacted and played…constantly. At three, we moved about a mile from town and that was a big change. Suddenly, besides my parents, of course, I was away from my playmates. That’s when I discovered the bicycle.  I rode all over our property...it was my best friend and I loved the freedom it gave me. That new found freedom didn’t stop me, when I was little, from asking my parents for a sibling. I thought it would be fun to have somebody at home to play with. My parents would always tell me they were just too busy to be able to care for a baby. I didn’t see the problem and reassured them that I would take care of their baby. Finally, when I was nine, my sister Julietta was born. Soon after, I stood at the ready by the changing table one day. My mom asked what I was doing? I told her I was ready to get to work, ready to change the diaper. Somehow, even though they never relied on me to take care of the baby, she grew up just fine.

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LINDA: Tell me something of your young school life, and of what it was like to grow up here?

ISAEL: I’ve always been aware that Troncones is a beautiful place. In my early school years there was a group of about 20 of us who’d spend time together. Throughout my childhood we’d play soccer, volleyball, go skateboarding and play at the beach. I had to do my homework as soon as I got home from school but I didn’t have a lot of chores...just doing the dishes. I did, and still do, help my dad and grandad if they need it. That’s part of being in a family…everyone helps each other. One of the lessons I got from my dad was that if I studied hard, I might not have to work as hard physically as my dad and grandad have. I’ve always been aware that my sister and I have opportunities that were not available to them when they were growing up.

Between my mom and dad’s family I have a total of 18 aunts and uncles and about 45 cousins. 80% of them live here…so really everywhere I went as a child, even today, everywhere I go, there is a relative. Everybody works. Their careers are varied…restaurateurs, they run houses, one is a physical therapist, a food processor, we have teachers, a masseuse, a professional car painter. It’s a long list.

As for school itself, we had really good teachers. I wasn’t a very strong student, particularly in math. My teachers, however, were always there for me. Two of them in particular. They had such patience. They would review with me for however long I needed to get a clear understanding. That meant a lot. It meant that they cared, that I was worth it, and that if I worked hard at it, I could be a good student.

Part of my childhood also involved surgeries.  I was born with a cleft palate. Between the ages of 3 months to 16, I had 8 surgeries. That has had a big influence on me, and here’s why…when I was six years old, I met my orthodontist. His office was in Acapulco and right away I was fascinated by the instruments. So, in the beginning, it was just that I liked the office, but then he operated on me. I experienced the difference that he made not only for me, but saw what he was doing for other patients as well, and that’s when I knew I wanted to be like him. That’s when I knew what I was going to do.

LINDA: At six years old?

ISAEL: Yes. Oftentimes after a surgery I would have to stay confined to a bed at the hospital to heal. Sometimes for as long as two weeks. I was always an energetic and active child so staying still, being calm, was hard. My doctor understood the challenge and made a special dispensation so as to allow me to have a DVD in the hospital and watch movies. That was a big deal...not only for me, but for all the kids. When it was time to watch, they would all sit on my bed and we’d watch them together. The Incredibles was my favorite. It was about a family with super powers who saved the world. I was obsessed with that one. Besides being really good at what he did, my doctor was a great man. I’ve always appreciated him because he did more than what he was just “supposed” to do.

A little later, I developed other hobbies I could do to keep from getting bored while recuperating.  When I was about 10, I started to draw a lot. Sometimes the kids at the hospital would ask for cartoons. That kept me busy. Then, I started to play the guitar at 12. These both kept me calm, busy and engaged. That is how those interests came into my life, and without the days of recuperating in the hospital I would not have discovered them. Everything I am is because of my condition. So, I cannot complain. I am grateful.

By the time I was 15, every time I would go to the hospital, I didn’t feel sorry for myself. I saw that I could be an example of how far the younger patients could come along…just as I had…with the help of my doctors.  The kids would ask questions and I could give them hope. The doctors would show pictures of me when I was little to other parents coming for the first time to the hospital. I would meet with them, too, and could see them being encouraged. All that was very impactful for me. It reminded me of how far I had progressed. I saw that I could succeed, that I could have a good life. All of that continues to be an inspiration for me to become a dentist.

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LINDA: Did you experience bullying as a school boy?

ISAEL: If I did, I never really thought about it. Some kids made jokes but I never felt singled out. I think having been raised in a small town, we were all fortunate. There were lots of things we were, I was, not exposed to such as drugs and alcohol. So, we grew up in a healthy atmosphere.

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LINDA: When you were at college, I presume you had classmates that hailed from a wide variety of places. As you came to know some of them, did you feel that coming from a smaller town gave you advantages? And, if so, what were they?

ISAEL: People who grew up in the cities had experiences I did not. I never felt a sense of deprivation though. When you’re from a small town, you learn how to do things…practical things. How to cook, how to do repairs on any number of things. That fosters independence. I found friends from cities did not have that sense of independence. We may have a stronger bond with our fellow residents because we have such a strong shared experience growing up here.

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LINDA: How did it work out having a sister?

ISAEL: Well, I thought I wanted to have a brother but I’m so happy I got a sister. I’ve always wanted to live so as to set an example for her.

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LINDA: Such as?

ISAEL: How to stay fit, eat right, study hard. I have always wanted her to see me as being successful so she can, in turn, build her own successes. She has a black belt in taekwondo, plays volleyball, has interests in animals and business. I’m very proud of her.

LINDA: Where are you in your career as a dentist?

ISAEL: I graduated last year from university in Morelia.  My plan is to rent a space in town and begin my business in a year’s time. I think there will be enough work for me here. My doctor in Acapulco knows about my career. He always showed his support, always encouraged me. He is proud of me. I look forward to helping people.

LINDA: Your artwork is really beautiful.  Tell me where you are in your life as a painter?

ISAEL: I stopped painting completely at 14. School and other things took over, but I started again three years ago. Last year when I had graduated and came home, I found I did have time, so started dedicating more effort to it.  I really don’t know how to paint, I am self-taught. That’s the same for music too. I’ll have an idea of something to paint, like cats, for instance. I like cats and I like surrealism so I mix the two ideas and come up with whatever is on my canvas. I also like to do miniature landscapes. Some I’ll keep to decorate my office and at the moment I sell some, too. I have to earn money for my office!

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LINDA: I’ve had the pleasure of hearing you perform at Rufi’s. Tell me what part music plays for you now?

ISAEL: I play at Rufi’s, which is my grandmother’s restaurant, every Wednesday night. The food is great, and it’s nice to have the chance to perform in front of an audience weekly.

During the pandemic, I started to really focus on music.  Over time, my interest expanded from guitar, to playing the keyboards and accordion, the bass and drums. I’m lucky to have parents who encourage me to try new things. They taught me that nothing was in my way. I’ve always felt they believed that and if there were times they were scared or worried, they never let it show.

I also started playing music with my dad who sings and plays the guitar. He’s really good. Again, because during the pandemic we all had time, I learned some computer programs and started to record and mix music. Recently, I’ve produced a couple of songs for Josie Gallegos that will be released soon.

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LINDA: Do you compose as well?

ISAEL: In 2023, with the encouragement of some friends, I wrote one song and found it pretty easy. It was funny because the next year I wrote 20 songs. Classes were light that year, so I guess I had time on my hands. I’ve always had the feeling that a composer needs a little craziness to create. So, that was my crazy…I stayed in my room and just wrote. I write about love, heartache, and life. I don’t know if I’ll do that again. I like being around people too much. Music has real power. It takes me to other places, other times. Other epochs even. It stirs memories of people and friends. It also brings people together. It is healing.

LINDA: How do you see Troncones changing over the years ahead?

ISAEL: I’ve seen it change a lot over the last six years or so, since going away to college. It has changed in a good direction. There are more jobs, more opportunities, more activities now. I think that will continue. I hope it does.  With so many people, particularly foreigners, there is a real interest in the arts. As an artist myself, I feel that support. When I was growing up, I went to La Unión for high school. Maybe we will have a high school of our own…one day.

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LINDA: Do you have other childhood friends that are moving into careers outside of what their parents have done?

ISAEL: Yes, one classmate became an architect. Another became a doctor. Many have moved into business with their family. Some have already started families.

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LINDA: I know you have many entrepreneurs in your family. Your parents, your grandmother Rufi, for example. How has the entrepreneurial spirit in your family influenced you?

ISAEL: I have always believed and seen that if you had a clear idea of what you wanted and you worked hard for it, you could succeed. That’s what I have seen my family members achieve.

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LINDA: Do you imagine moving away from Troncones at some point and/or doing more traveling?

ISAEL: Yes, I’d like to travel. Italy, for the pizza. I love pizza. New York to hear jazz and Aspen to snowboard. As for moving away, it could be fun to branch out into another location at some point. I will start here and see where it takes me. Even when I was away at college, it was always my intention to come back to Troncones. I love living here. My family is here. This is home. This is the place that has shaped me. I know I will always come back home.