Javier Trejo hates being put in a box. He’s not a box person! But he is originally from Chicago (the actual city) but calls St. Louis home, and, as far back as he can remember, he always wanted to make a difference. Javier started his storytelling journey when he was 19 while studying abroad at Casa de la Solidaridad in El Salvador. A major element of that program was sharing your life story. This was the first time he was challenged to be deeply vulnerable with new people. Javier continued his development as a storyteller while participating in The Men’s Story Project, which gave him the confidence to own his past and become a better storyteller. Currently, Javier is kicking ass and taking names — in the most loving and nonviolent way — while teaching 8th Grade Science. Outside of teaching, he enjoys riding his bike, when not breaking his clavicle. Javier believes stories can help you access parts of yourself that are usually out of reach and is ready to share the power of story with others.