I had been working countless hours on the tour and noticed that I was beginning to feel burnt out. I decided to take two days off and was going to attempt, not work. The first day, I woke up really early. I jumped in my car and headed down to the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, NC.

It felt refreshing and relaxing to be outside. Enjoying the 55 acres of what is recognized as one of the premier public gardens in the United States! After picking up lunch, I headed back to my hotel room and laid down for what I thought would be a 15 min nap. I woke up 4 hours later! After waking up, I battled the urge to jump on my computer and work. I decided I would do my next favorite thing to relax!

I got dressed and made my way to the movie theatre! I decided I would watch the movie “Limitless” with actor Bradley Cooper. I really enjoyed the movie. I left the theater thinking… it would be amazing if there were a pill to help me get more done!!! Then I said to myself, No Roy… drugs are bad! Lol…

I made it back to my hotel and debated if I wanted to call it a night or if I wanted to venture to downtown Raleigh, NC? I sent about 5 of my closet friends a text message! The text read; “I am getting dressed to go out… It’s been a while since I’ve been out. Battling within myself, should I go? lol”  My friends responded back… “Go, enjoy life… live!” I decided what the heck! I’ll go! I jumped in my car and made the 30 min drive to downtown Raleigh. I walked around and people watched, I wasn’t there more than an hour and a half when I decided that I was ready to go home.

I had just left downtown Raleigh when I was approaching a Waffle House. A food chain that is very popular on the east coast. I thought, I could use something to eat before I went to my hotel. I pulled into the parking lot. The place was pack with people who had been out on the town. There was an available seat at the breakfast-bar. I decided to sit down. The nice waiter said, “How are you doing this evening? What can I get you?” I glanced at his name tag and said, “Hi Tom, may I have a coffee?” I reached out and grabbed the menu. As I glanced at it I asked, “What is popular on this menu?” He asked, “Visiting?” “Yes” I said. He asked, “Where are you from?” I said, “San Antonio, TX”. I looked to my left and a young lady smiled at me and said, “I just got back from San Antonio.” She seemed to be about nineteen or in her early twenties. She was a very attractive girl with light skin and warm eyes. I smiled back and said, “Really? I love San Antonio… I miss it.”  We began to talk for what seemed as minutes but before I knew it… an hour had passed. We shared a conversation about life experiences, things that motivated us and some that troubled us. It was in that conversation that I mentioned, its funny how people change and how we are all human, we all hurt, make mistakes, but life can be better if we become the change. I shared that I was currently reading the book: Gandhi An Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth. She lit up and said; “I love Gandhi! I paint him!” I said, “Really? That is awesome!” She said, “Yes! I would love for you to have one of the paintings. That makes me feel as though there was a purpose for me to have painted him.” I said, “That would be really awesome!” I grabbed a napkin and wrote; my name, www.homelessbychoice.com , and my number. I said, “Definitely keep in touch. It was great meeting you! I am Roy by the way…” She said, “Nice to meet you, I am Morgan.”

I left the Waffle House and made my way back to my hotel. The next day, I received a text message from a number I didn’t recognized. It read, “Hey, this is Morgan – Waffle House – and I have this painting for you. But I don’t know the easiest way of getting it to you…” I replied, “Awe, thanks!!! Coffee??? Lol” She said, “Sure where and when? How about the Waffle House again?” “Sounds good” I said. “I just need to know one thing… which Waffle House was it? Lol…”

I showed up to the Waffle House about 5 minutes till 10 pm and Morgan was sitting towards the back corner reading a book. I approached the table and said, “Hey there, how is it going?” She smiled and said, hey there. I sat down and once again we talked for what seemed like minutes but before I knew it. It was 11:30 pm. Right before I got up she said, “Well I wanted to give this to you.” She grabbed the painting that was sitting next to her and handed it to me. It was a portrait of Gandhi, an amazing portrait of Gandhi. I thanked her for giving me this great piece of art. I thanked her with a hug and said keep in touch. I walked out of the Waffle House to my car. It is amazing the blessing we can all be to each other if we just stop and notice the people that sit next to us. I am sure Morgan will become a lifelong friend. Don’t let amazing moments like this pass you by. Stop and notice the people who sit next to you! Thank you Waffle House!

Below is the amazing painting that Morgan gave me! Thank you very much Morgan!

I didn’t realize losing my driver’s license would create such a hassle in my life! I suppose it is an important document when you are driving on a tour! Lol…

LAS VEGAS: I hopped on a plane to Las Vegas, NV. I thought to myself, I will just get a new DL in Nevada! I thought this sounded like a good plan! I arrived at the Las Vegas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) at 8 am sharp and there was a line of people standing outside! About 60 people waiting for the doors to open! I reluctantly went to go stand in the line! Once I made my way into the building I was happy to see that there were about 30 service windows to assist the customers! They call my number and I approached window number 27! There sat this nice lady who loved to talk! She shared her entire life with me… She talked about moving here from England, her love for this country, she talked about her children in college, what they were majoring in, she then spoke about her husband and how they met. I smiled at her and waited patiently. We came to the very end of the DL process and she said, uhm… we have a problem. She looked at me and said, “In order to issue you a Nevada driver’s license we need you to take the written and driving exam! I thought, how was I going to get all this done? It was a Friday afternoon and I need my ID to rent a car in Michigan! I decided I would take my written exam that day and come early Saturday morning for my driving exam! The nice lady showed me to the testing room. I pay the clerk my $25 for the exam and she said, “Sir, have you studied the driving manual?” I said, “No ma’am but I think I can pass this exam.” After all I been driving for years and circled more than half the country. Seriously, how hard can this exam be? I sat in front of my testing computer and start my exam. The first 10 of the 50 questions were a piece of cake! “What does the color yellow mean? What is the speed zone in a residential area? When should you use your hazard lights? Then I got to question 11 and everything changed! I was being asked questions about children and car seats! Car Seats!?!? Children!?!?!? I could feel the sweat build as the screen screamed “Incorrect”! Questions 15: Incorrect! Questions 22: Incorrect! Question 27: Incorrect! Questions 46: Incorrect Test Completed Failed! I sat there for a moment and thought… I failed? What am I going to do now? I walked out and grabbed a driving manual. My mentor asked, “How did you do?” I looked down to the ground and with a tone of defeat, I mumbled, “I failed”. He said, “You what? You failed?” he chuckled… How? I said, “I don’t know what a child is!” Lol…

I went home that evening and read the manual from cover to cover! I now felt confident that I could pass it! I marched back into the DMV at the crack of dawn and said, “I am here to take my exam.” I paid the nice lady once again and sat in front of my testing computer, once again.  I started my test and this time I succeeded! I was so happy! I quickly made my way to stand in line for the driving exam portion. I waited in line until it was my turn to be seen! I walk before the lady at the desk and without making eye contact she asked, “How can I help you?” I replied, “Good morning ma’am I need to take my driver’s test!” She glanced at me and said, “Do you have an appointment?” I said, “No ma’am.” She said, “Well then you will not be taking the driving test. You will have to come back.” I said, “Ma’am is there a list I can put my name on and wait?” She looked at me and said, “Honey, you need to make an appointment and the next opening isn’t until March!”  I thought… MARCH? I can’t wait till March! I have to continue the tour! What was I going to do?  The next day I had to fly to Detroit, MI!

DETROIT/CHICAGO: I didn’t have a plan just yet but I knew I had some time to create one! My friend Noha offered to pick me up from the Detroit airport and drive me around that entire week! After leaving Detroit I traveled to Chicago, IL on a train that was delayed 4 hours! I made it to my hotel at 3 in the morning.

I figured Taxi’s would be the best and most efficient way of transportation, which meant I didn’t need my DL!!! From Chicago I would fly back to San Antonio, TX. I figured, I would get a Texas DL then!  I called my cousin Judi again and said, “Listen, can I hire you to drive me around Monday? I have three speaking engagements but between the presentations I need to go to the DMV and get a new DL!” She said, “Yeah, I’ll pick you up and drive you around!” I was so excited that I put a post of Facebook saying I was going to get a new DL on Monday! I figured everything was set and would work out perfectly! I would get my DL on Monday and fly out on Tuesday back to Grand Rapids where I planned on renting a car to drive to Auburn Hills, MI to speak at Oakland College! My excitement didn’t last too long. I read a message on my Facebook wall by my friend Robert saying, “Not to burst your bubble Roy but Monday is Presidents Day… DPS is closed.” Meaning… there was no way I was going to get my DL! I had no clue what I was going to do… again! I needed to get my license! If I didn’t get it, I wouldn’t be able to rent a car and make it to my speaking engagement! It was time to come up with a Plan B, C, D, and F… Just in case!!!

SAN ANTONIO: I called my contact Ms. Kathy from Southwest ISD! She has been a huge supporter of my work and we have been able to develop an amazing friendship. I said, Ms. Kathy, I have a huge problem. I need to get a DL on Tuesday in between speaking at your schools! Could you help me? She said, timing is pretty crunched between presentations but we will make it work somehow! Tuesday morning came… and I had 4 presentations booked! Cousin Judi dropped me off early in the morning at the first school! The presentation went amazing! Right after the second presentations Ms. Kathy and I jumped in her car and we headed for the Texas DMV!

As we pulled into the parking lot… my heart sunk! There was a line streaming out of the front doors of the building! There had to be at least 40 people standing in line outside the DMV… not to mention how many people were in line on the inside! I thought to myself! This isn’t good… I knew I had to try! I said, Ms. Kathy I need to try. I will stand in line! She said, Okay. She parked and got off with me. She said, Wait here, and let me see if there’s a shorter line inside. She walked down the long line of people and entered the building!

Still praying and thinking… Lord I need my license… after about 10 mins I hear Ms. Kathy say, “Roy”! I look towards the front of the line and she is standing there waving her hand for me to join her! I walk towards the doors and we enter the room! It was filled with people sitting and waiting for their number to be called! As soon as we walk through the door and into the waiting room I hear Ms. Kathy speak with a loud voice. “Everyone, this is the young man I told you all about! His name is Roy Juarez Jr! He is an international motivational speaking reaching out to youth across the country! He encourages them to dream and not give up on life or their education! He was once homeless and dedicates his life to giving back!” I turned all shades of red and dropped my head! I heard several people in the waiting room start applauding! I looked up and thank them for allowing me to cut to the front of the line! I walked to the front of the line and the DMV employee said, “It is an honor to meet you Sir, how can I help you Mr. Juarez?” I said, “Wow, thank you so much! Thank you so much! Sir, I need to get another Driver’s License… I lost mine in a plane and I need to fly out in a couple of hours.” He said, “Not a problem!” I was in and out with in 15 min. with a new Driver’s License!!!

I have to thank Ms. Kathy from the Southwest Independent School District for exemplifying extraordinary customer service and dedication – tenacity! I don’t know if I would have had the courage to do what she did on my behalf at the DMV that day! However, it is because of her courageous spirit and relentless belief in the ability to touch, move and inspire people that I am currently sitting on a plane headed to Grand Rapids, MI where I will rent a car and drive two hours to inspire more students! Ms. Kathy never ceases to amaze me! Ms. Kathy always says we have two ways to learn about life: from ourselves and from others. This was definitely a lesson to never let fear stop you, believe in the goodness of mankind, and never get stuck in your circumstances!

Thank you Ms. Kathy Hess-Reneau!

Nadia and Roy

A couple weeks ago, I was invited to dinner with Roy.  He was going to meet his cousin Andrew for the first time.  Coming from a large extended family, I am always meeting new cousins that I never knew I had – usually because they live overseas or a fifth generation cousin who I happen to encounter by noticing their last name in a mass email (true story!).  This was a slightly different situation.  Roy and his cousin Andrew hadn’t met because of homelessness. 

Roy’s aunt was pregnant with Andrew when Roy’s parents were going through the divorce which would ultimately lead to Roy’s homelessness as a teen.  Before that night, I hadn’t thought much about the extended family’s role in a homeless teen’s life.  How was it possible that for the past 17 years, Roy had never met his cousin when they lived mere hours apart?  Was it coincidence?  Poor timing?  How did Roy’s own aunts and uncles pretend he didn’t exist?  Did they just forget about him after his parents divorced and he was no longer attending family functions?  Did no one reach out to him?  I was baffled. 

 As we walked into the restaurant, all these questions were moved to the back of my mind.  Andrew was waiting up front for Roy and their matching smiles trumped any other thought.  I could see the hesitant joy in each of them as they embraced for the first time.  Andrew didn’t say much at first and he didn’t have to – the smile he had from ear to ear said more than any words ever could.  Throughout the meal, Roy and Andrew tentatively got to know each other, making small talk at first and working their way up to deeper subjects.  It was quickly evident that the years of separation were long behind them and new friendship was blossoming.  As they posed for pictures at the end of the night, I was struck at how much their smiles resembled each other’s in looks and the ease and frequency that they both used it.  It was amazing that two cousins who had never met, had different upbringings, different outlooks and weren’t close in age could have something so similar. 

 Leaving the restaurant, Roy and I discussed the questions I had earlier.   We went over different situations and “what if” scenarios.  We discussed motives and communication.  We talked about what we would do.  We speculated the reasons why his aunts and uncles hadn’t reached out.  We never came up with an answer but it did lead to one more question for Roy: do you resent them?  As expected from Roy, the answer was no.  He is able to accept and forgive them for what they did (or didn’t do) and move forward to form and repair relationships with each of them.  That is more important to him than holding on to resentment and yet another reason why his message is so important.

Thank you Nadia for sharing your thoughts about this special experience.

Note to all: If you want to write about your experience with the Homeless by Choice Tour! Please share and it will be posted on the blog!

Stevens High School

Stevens High School holds a very special place in my heart!

The love I have for my sisters and brother is indescribable. I attribute most of my life’s work to them. I work as hard as I do to make sure that one day their future will be filled with good time and memories.

It had been my dream to speak at my baby sister’s high school (Danielle) while she attended. I remember trying really hard to make that dream a reality. I set up a meeting with her principal and as I sat in his office I shared my families’ story and ask, “Can I speak at a student assembly?”. He looked at me and said, “Mr. Juarez. We do not bring “No-bodies” into our school to talk to our students. You haven’t accomplished anything in life…” I left his office and walked to my car parked in the schools parking lot feeling defeated. Thinking… Was he right? Was I a “no-body”? Perhaps he could have said it differently and help direct me on a new journey. A journey to make a bigger difference my life and others… maybe he did. Regardless, the feeling of defeat ran through my heart and mind.

I never got the opportunity to speak at my little sister’s school. The same dream was true with my baby brother’s school!  

On the tour I was asked to keynote (speak) at the San Antonio Youth Summit. When I did, I addressed over 1,500 students and in the audience was a lady named: Mrs. Bayless. After my presentation she approached me and said, “You must speak to the student at my school. I asked, “What high school are you from? She said, “Stevens High School!” I quickly said, “I would love to speak there! That is where my baby brother attends!”  

After several months of waiting and planning the date was set! Before I knew it, I was on a Southwest flight to San Antonio, TX where I would address 650 seniors from Stevens High School. I asked if it would be okay for my baby brother to attend the assembly being that is was only a sophomore. They saw no problem with my request!!!!

The morning of the presentation I was extremely nervous. What if I sucked!?!?!? My baby brother’s reputation at school was on the line. Yikes! My cousin left me a message on Facebook sayings… make sure not to call him Baby Ray in front of his friends! Yikes… that was the first thing I did!

My emotions for my family run much deeper that I have expressed on this blog. For much of my baby brother’s life we had been separated. First, due to the divorce second, because I been speak and travel working with youth across the country! I haven’t been able to be there the way I would like to be. While I am the brother that flies’ in and takes him to the movies and shopping, those things will not fill the emotional void that can be created due to me being physically absent. Speaking at his school was a moment for me, where I was able to serve my brother the same way I have been serving youth across the country. It was my opportunity let him know how special he was too me!

Danielle and Baby Ray at Stevens High School

As Baby Ray and I waited in the sound booth of the auditorium we were joined by our mother and two sisters (Danielle and Tammy). This was a special day for all of us. While the stories I was about to share were heart wrenching for my family… We found peace in knowing that we are no longer in that place or time. However by allowing the dark parts of our life to be shared… hopefully, we are able to instill hopes and dreams in to young people who might be able relate to our time of trials and tribulations.

In the sound booth we smiled and hugged as we waited… during the presentation we took a journey into our past and cried once again… the way we did as it lived it… but after… we looked at each other and knew that we were in a much better place and because of what we survived we were a stronger family and forgiveness and love gave that to us!

Thank you Mrs. Bayless, Stevens High School and the Senior class of 2011for allowing one of my dreams to come true!

Juarez speaks to 650 Seniors

Juarez talks about the power of forgiveness as he holds his mother!

When I was homeless and hungry I snuck into a hotel hoping to find food. I found so much more than that. I sat at a banquet table trying to blend in with the many business professionals that surrounded me. While their eyes and looks spoke of how I did not belong there, their opinions didn’t matter to me… All that mattered was the food they placed in front of me. I find myself sitting in the same room as I am on tour. I sit in the audience, tables covered in with white linens, everyone in their nice suits… I can’t help but glance to the far back corner where I once sat as a homeless teenager broken and hungry. 

As the scholarship awards banquet continues, I applaud the students receiving their awards for being amazing students. I think what a great accomplishment. I see their parents hug them and sit right next to them, supporting them. Where are my broken children? I think, if I had a stable home, a mom who didn’t have to fear a violent father, or a father that didn’t deal with his issue by hitting the bottle. I could have received a scholarship. My reality was I couldn’t attend school. My concerns were not, what college will I attend or who will I take to prom. My concerns were, where am I going to live? How am I going to eat? Year by year my chances of a success future were getting more and more difficult to reach. Lucky for me, I found families that took me in and helped me unlearn habits I learned from the streets. It is to all my mentors that I owe my success. The best way I can thank them, is to remember there are many other “Roys” out there! I must not forget to look to the back of the room and create the same opportunity for children that don’t have their parents sitting next to them!  

Every child deserves a chance at life. The MyBag, MyHome: Homeless by Choice Tour is my vision to help create a difference, a chance. If I can get others to understand that it is going to take all of us to make a difference, I could reach more youth. We must become the change in our community. Please be a part of the change, reach out a helping hand to others. Let’s be good to each other and ourselves.

Please, share this website with others you know. The more people know about this mission as I travel across the country… the more youth I can reach! You never know who is out there, who is listening, or who is reading! 

Thank You,

Roy Juarez Jr.

Telling an audience that I was scared may not be the smartest thing for a speaker to do, in some peoples opinion… However, that is exactly what I did and do! It doesn’t matter if there are only two people in the audience or over 1,500 people. I get just as nervous and scared! My stomach turns, my palms get sweaty, and I pace back and forth but nothing seems to help. I constantly think to myself, I can’t do this anymore… I get so sick.  

Imagine how I felt when I read the email that said, “Congratulations you have been selected as one of our speakers for the San Antonio Youth Summit!” I was extremely excited and scared all at the same time! WOW I was going to speak to over 1,500 people! “I don’t know if I can do this” was the first thought that ran through my head! Followed by, “Roy, What did you get yourself into?”

One of the greatest lessons I have learned in life thus far is NEVER ALLOW FEAR TO STOP YOU from doing what you believe in! It is fear that keeps people from reaching their true potential. The fears of failure, the fear of the unknown, the fear of what will others think… there are so many fears! Because of these fears, people allow their dreams to pass them by. When you think about it… we are only given one life! Don’t allow fear to steal your dream!

For me, my dreams are the students… I want each of you to have a better life, I want each of you to dream bigger, and I want you to know that you are loved. In order for me to do that as a speaker, I can’t allow fear to stop me.  

With my weak knees, sweaty palms and heart pounding I got up on stage and gave everything I had. I may not be the best speaker or the funniest… but what I do have is passion. To every student that reads this… keep dreaming and never allow fear to stop you from what you believe in!

The conference was amazing! There were so many students there! I was able to go into different session and learn new things myself! From the amaznig workshop “U R what U EAT!” presented by my good friend Ms. Kathy Hess-Reneau to visiting the EXPO filled with give-a-ways for the studnets! The San Antonio Youth Summit was a great time! 

Special thanks to the San Antonio Youth Summit for allowing me to be a part of the conference and to all my family who joined me: My Mother, Step Dad, Grandma, Aunt Rosa, Aunt Bebe, Sister Tammy, Baby Ray, Marcos, Virgie, and to all the amazing students I met at the conference! 

 I have been to Houston, TX many times but I have to say, I have never valued the city for its beauty until now.  As Tammy and I drove into Houston, TX from Bay City, TX we weren’t sure what to expect. We would be staying with people we had never met before. The thought of that always makes me nervous even though I have been doing it the entire tour! However, to some relief my professor and friends Jennifer O’Sullivan drove in from New Orleans to visit us. She gave my sister and I a refresher/crash course on business finance. She served as our host family for the first three days of our trip in Houston, TX.

Several months back a man by the name of Marcos Rubalcava requested me as a friend on FaceBook. Mr. Rubalcava had heard about the tour through my mentor Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch. Marcos became a huge fan and supporter of the tour! He constantly sent out messages to his friends to join the tour fan page and friend request me. He worked on media connects, community connects any connections he could make, for when I arrived in Houston, TX. He even opened his home to provide hospice for us while we were in Houston.

After spending time with my professor, we made our way to the Rubalcava home in the woodlands. We were greeted as family and instantly made a connection!

Later that day, we went with Marcos and volunteered at his church. We stuffed envelopes for their Sunday Easter service. The grounds of their church were so beautiful. This is when we were able to meet Mrs. Rubalcava. She works for the church and gave us a tour of their beautiful facilities.

It was only the beginning of the list of people we would meet. MS. Virgie Ornelas had joined us as we stuff envelopes. What we didn’t know  about Ms. Virgie was… She owns all of HOUSTON! Smiling… I say that because Ms. Virgie knows everybody. I understand why she knows so many people. She is an amazing person! The entire time we were in Houston it seemed as though all we did was laugh when we were together!

On one of the days, Ms. Virgie took Tammy and me all around Houston introducing us to every person she knew. We met so many amazing people… from professors, community leaders, advocates, and even appeared on the Great Day Houston show with Debra Duncan! To top it off I was able to go before the Mayor and City Council to share the journey of the MyBag, MyHome: Homeless by Choice tour! Thanks to both Virgie Ornelas and Larry Savala!

This is a quick shout out to Mr. Larry Savala! He is an amazing man, changing Houston by working with fathers. Take some time and visit his website at www.hispanicfamilyinitiative.com

At one of the meetings Ms. Virgie took us too I was able to meet Ms. Estrada from GE Energy. It was through her contacts that made it possible for us to speak to over 300 students at North Shore High School. It was such an amazing time!

As I said earlier, I have seen Houston through a new set of eyes! It is a wonderful city filled with wonderful people who care about each other! A piece of Tammy and my heart has stayed in Houston, TX!

Special thank you to: The Rubalcava family, the Ornelas Family, Mr. Larry Savala, Ms. Estrada, Council Woman Jolanda Jones, North Shore High School and all of the Houston City Council.

The special treat came when my new friends, dear friends. Marcos Rubalcava and Virgie Ornelas said, “We would like to join you on the journey.” The first thing that came to my mind was…. ROAD TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We gassed up and bought about $30 worth of snacks and hit the road the day before the conference. The drive to Brownwood, TX was a lot of fun! What I didn’t know was the best part was yet to come.

When we arrived to the college fair in morning… there were so many students. To be honest with you I was very nervous, as I always am! My friends kept saying… you will be great Roy! You will be great! We sat and heard my friend and colleague speak Mr. Jimmy Cabrera. He did a wonderful job speaking to the students about having values and believing in themselves.   

The time had come…. It was time for the breakout sessions. I made my way to my breakout room which was filled with students.

I shared my personal experience about perseverance and following our dreams. The students were very receptive and engaged with the workshop. We were able to make a list of ten saying we could encourage ourselves with! At the end of each workshop, several students stayed behind to share their personal stories. For those of you who stayed behind. I would like to say… thank you for sharing your story with me!!!!!!

Remember to love yourself enough… to give yourself a chance!