As a first-generation Mexican-American, my family’s humble beginnings trace back to Sonora, Mexico, before migrating to Tijuana, B.C. in the 1950s in search of new opportunities. Raised in South Central Los Angeles, I benefited from a cross-cultural upbringing, frequently traveling across the US-Mexico regions from a young age. Although academia was not initially in my plans, my parents’ support and guidance steered me towards higher education.
In 1996, I earned a dual degree in Political Science and English, with an emphasis on creative writing, from the University of Southern California. My fascination with writing began in high school when I entered a national contest and, to the surprise of my critics and my English teacher—whose class I was failing at the time—my entry was selected. My first journalistic article, a three-inch piece on a landscaping project, was a daunting task. I vividly remember the nerves and confusion about assembling a news story. Yet, seeing my byline on the day the college paper was distributed made a profound impact, instilling a sense of empowerment and self-worth.
As a first-generation Mexican-American, my family’s humble beginnings trace back to Sonora, Mexico, before migrating to Tijuana, B.C. in the 1950s in search of new opportunities. Raised in South Central Los Angeles, I benefited from a cross-cultural upbringing, frequently traveling across the US-Mexico regions from a young age. Although academia was not initially in my plans, my parents’ support and guidance steered me towards higher education.
In 1996, I earned a dual degree in Political Science and English, with an emphasis on creative writing, from the University of Southern California. My fascination with writing began in high school when I entered a national contest and, to the surprise of my critics and my English teacher—whose class I was failing at the time—my entry was selected. My first journalistic article, a three-inch piece on a landscaping project, was a daunting task. I vividly remember the nerves and confusion about assembling a news story. Yet, seeing my byline on the day the college paper was distributed made a profound impact, instilling a sense of empowerment and self-worth.
As a first-generation Mexican-American, my family’s humble beginnings trace back to Sonora, Mexico, before migrating to Tijuana, B.C. in the 1950s in search of new opportunities. Raised in South Central Los Angeles, I benefited from a cross-cultural upbringing, frequently traveling across the US-Mexico regions from a young age. Although academia was not initially in my plans, my parents’ support and guidance steered me towards higher education.
In 1996, I earned a dual degree in Political Science and English, with an emphasis on creative writing, from the University of Southern California. My fascination with writing began in high school when I entered a national contest and, to the surprise of my critics and my English teacher—whose class I was failing at the time—my entry was selected. My first journalistic article, a three-inch piece on a landscaping project, was a daunting task. I vividly remember the nerves and confusion about assembling a news story. Yet, seeing my byline on the day the college paper was distributed made a profound impact, instilling a sense of empowerment and self-worth.
Struggling through the community college system for over six years, the school paper became my anchor, chasing the thrill of the byline. Despite writing over a hundred stories and starting to win honorable mentions and awards, I transferred to USC. As a double major and copy editor for the Daily Trojan, I secured my first internship with Southern California News Papers in South Gate, California, which led to my coverage of the 1994 Mexican presidential elections. After graduation, I moved to Mexico City to write for an English-language newspaper, The News, owned by Novedades. This position aimed to gain the experience necessary to work for a wire service like AP or Reuters. Despite starting my first book and the excitement of living abroad, a modest salary and lack of financial support forced my return to Los Angeles, where I entered the private sector with plans to resume my writing career within six months—a plan that was deferred by 30 years.
I have been happily married for 20 years to my wonderful wife, Mary Arce. Together, we have been blessed with a son, Joshua Gabriel Arce. Joshua has set his sights on enrolling in the United States Naval Academy and is actively involved in community service, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact in the world just as we have strived to do.
As co-founder and former CEO at Atlas Clean Energy and with significant roles in organizations like Clean Spark and Capstone Green Energy, I have spearheaded innovative projects across the renewable energy landscape, emphasizing grid resilience and policy acumen. My academic journey continued with a Master of Arts in Communication Management from USC’s Annenberg School in 2023, enriching my professional and personal development.
Through various endeavors, such as founding the Alba Union for Elder & Migrants Rights and contributing to publications and policy analyses, I have consistently worked to merge my passion for writing and commitment to social justice with my extensive expertise in energy policy and international business development.
The original version of 'The White Mountains' was probably just about worth publishing.
John Christopher
My work in public policy and feasibility within multinational companies operating primarily in third-world countries has deeply influenced my political views on socio-economic platforms. Despite my role being ostensibly confined to enhancing energy procurement strategies, I became acutely aware of the systemic issues impacting the workforce. This exposure, coupled with my shared heritage, instilled in me a profound awareness of these social injustices. Yet, for a long time, I did not seize the opportunity to elevate these issues to the public forum, despite having the resources and network to do so.
The enactment of NAFTA, while generating significant economic benefits for Canada, Mexico, and the United States, also brought about substantial environmental and social challenges. The treaty facilitated the crossing of over 700,000 heavy transport vehicles across the border annually, introducing extra contaminants that pose serious health risks due to air pollution. This not only affects environmental sustainability but also public health within these border regions.
Moreover, my exposure to international bureaucracy and C-level corporate culture on both sides of the border has provided me with unique insights into the shortcomings of such policies. The shift of jobs to the south has disenfranchised the U.S. workforce, and the introduction of first-world technology into a third-world labor force has exacerbated unforeseen issues. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the complex interplay between economic growth and social equity and have driven my commitment to addressing these disparities.
Through my professional journey and personal experiences, I have grown increasingly committed to advocating for changes that address these systemic issues. I strive to use my platform to bring awareness to the social injustices that persist unnoticed and unaddressed, hoping to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.
Moreover, my exposure to international bureaucracy and C-level corporate culture on both sides of the border has provided me with unique insights into the shortcomings of such policies. The shift of jobs to the south has disenfranchised the U.S. workforce, and the introduction of first-world technology into a third-world labor force has exacerbated unforeseen issues. These experiences have shaped my understanding of the complex interplay between economic growth and social equity and have driven my commitment to addressing these disparities.
Through my professional journey and personal experiences, I have grown increasingly committed to advocating for changes that address these systemic issues. I strive to use my platform to bring awareness to the social injustices that persist unnoticed and unaddressed, hoping to contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future.
When I founded AUMER, an organization dedicated to advocating for the marginalized and voiceless, I made a commitment to break the silence surrounding my own challenges. Today, I want to share my experiences with ADHD and dyslexia, conditions that are often misunderstood and dismissed as invisible disabilities. Voltaire’s words resonate deeply with me: “Everyone is guilty of all the good they did not do.” This reflects my decision to finally speak openly about conditions that are frequently viewed through a lens of bias, questioning one’s character and professional capability.
My journey with ADHD and dyslexia began in the early ’90s, during a time when a journalism professor advised me to choose another major. However, the allure of crafting stories and achieving that coveted byline drove me to persist against these challenges. I entered the fray, continuously writing, rewriting, revising, and refining my craft.
My natural gift for storytelling, I believe, is an inheritance from my grandmother, Nela. Although she had no formal education and learned to read and write later in life, her ability to transport her audience to vividly realized worlds was nothing short of magical. With three degrees under my belt and exposure to a wide range of literary giants from Hemingway to Gabriel Garcia Marquez, I still hold my grandmother’s storytelling in the highest regard.
As a child, I would sneak into her room at 2 AM, eager to hear one of her tales about historical events or people she had met. This often led to reprimands from my father for disturbing her sleep. Yet, it was through these stories that I developed my own narrative flavor, an ability to transport audiences, which was recognized even in high school. Despite receiving a ‘D’ in grammar and writing style, my English teacher awarded me an ‘A’ for the compelling nature of my storytelling. This pattern repeated in my creative writing classes at USC, where critics overlooked structural flaws in favor of engaging content.
Despite these apparent blessings, I concealed my ADHD and dyslexia within the journalism community and professional settings for many years. Today, I choose to share this not as a confession but as a declaration of the unique strengths that these so-called disabilities have fostered in me. I aim to advocate for those similarly struggling, hoping to shift perceptions and encourage a more inclusive understanding of these conditions.
ADHD and dyslexia have shaped my perspective and enriched my storytelling. They have taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. My journey has been a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that our differences are our greatest strengths. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to embrace their unique qualities and to foster a more compassionate and understanding world.
This book marks my first major foray into the literary world.
Stay-tuned for the upcoming book about the roots of Gabe and the reason to start AUMER Foundation.
Stay-tuned for the upcoming book about the roots of Gabe and the reason to start AUMER Foundation.
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