Oxford University’s Bill de la Rosa Talks Success, Growth, and his Tucson Roots with the THCC

Ian Tisdale

Ever since his childhood, Bill has strived to incredible lengths and highs to succeed in one goal, serving his immigrant community as best as he possibly can. Ever since his high school graduation, Bill became a Rhodes scholar, earning two master’s degrees from Oxford University, working in the Department of Health and Human Services, and currently studying for a PhD in Criminology, while directing Pima County’s Criminal Justice Reform unit. At home, from England.
 
To add, Bill was also recently accepted into Yale Law school, where he plans to become an immigration lawyer, hoping to ensure the safe immigration and integration of immigrants in Southern Arizona through pro bono legal services. He is only 28 years old.
 
Last Thursday, Bill joined the Chamber for a motivating and powerful conversation on his story, with THCC CEO/President Isabel Georgelos. In his conversation, he discussed his goals, his motivation, and strong examples of advice for young people see Bill as an example for success.
 
For Bill, leaning on the support of his family, his educators at Pueblo High, and even external support from social workers or family friends was a large part of success in his amazing journey. “Many times, I found myself in the position where I don’t want to ask for help,” he said in the discussion. “I was thinking, you know, that, ‘oh, that muchacho from Tucson can’t handle it…oh, he can’t keep up.’ But, eventually, I swallowed my pride. I realized that without help, I there is no way I would in the position I am in today.”
 
From his discussion with the THCC, Bill believes knowing and utilizing this support is a crucial key for young students to achieve their goals and manage stress, especially during a global pandemic. “In our toughest times, it’s important to maintain those close relationships to express how we feel, and not bottle those emotions in. Taking care of your wellbeing is the most important thing,” he said. “So, reaching out is important. Knowing that there are people out there who want to support you. Especially now.”
 
Above all else however, what chiefly drives Bill’s life, journey, success and accomplishments, is an unparalleled dedication to serve the Latino/a/x Tucson community. “I am constantly asking myself, what does change look like,” he said. “Where can I best achieve that, especially in this very political and polarized environment we live in now. What does that look like, and how can I best continue to represent Tucson and the Latino community, in the state, or across the country.”
 
To watch the full Digital Discussion, see this link: https://www.facebook.com/228340351137/videos/1596351557226137.