By Jesús Aguado
When we talked to San Miguel native resident Rosalba Rangel, her memories go back to when she was six years old. Her parents divorced and she did not complete elementary school, and she started working at the age of 12. She eventually did finish elementary school, but her higher education was cut short. All of that has not stopped her from getting involved in civil associations for almost 50 years, where she reaches out to those who need it most. Today, in addition to continuing to help, her life revolves around real estate, with which she has been involved for almost 35 years.
Jesús Aguado: What is the best memory you have of living in the City Center?
Rosalba Rangel: In my childhood there was tranquility. My memories go back to taking walks in Parque Juárez with my brothers, breathing in fresh air, enjoying all the traditions. We used to swim in the pool at the park, go up Chorro to the clothes-washing place, and being scared by stories of La Llorona and the headless one that our uncles, who were in charge of the Chorro church, told us. Even when we were little, we could go to Centro alone and without any fear. Everything was very quiet and that was very enjoyable.
JA: How did you decide that your life was meant to help others?
RR: I started working at El Centro de Crecimiento with Sra Luz María Maxwell, and there I realized that the needs were many and there were few resources to help everyone. I would choke up not being able to help everyone. It was very frustrating, and I started to get more and more involved. When I had the opportunity to be a Rotarian in 1991, I presided over “The avenue of community service,” and we began to help children from the communities. I sponsored a young man, Agustín González, who had serious medical issues with his face. We supported him in different surgeries and he became such a great friend that my children became his and his sister’s godparents at their first communion. Those situations encourage you to continue helping more and more.
I joined the SMA Red Cross Council on the invitation of Dr. José Guadalupe González; here I reaffirmed and nurtured my love for continuing to support. It is a very noble institution, with a staff that is worth its weight in gold. For seven years we did the best we could to improve the conditions of the staff and the Delegation. I have participated as a DIF and General Hospital volunteer, supporting them in every way I can. That fills my heart.
JA: There is a saying that goes, “People are not remembered for living forever, but for their works.” What work will Sanmiguelenses remember you for?
RR: I don’t know if I will be remembered, but as long as I can I will continue to give support.
JA: Do you believe in the idea that the city is three San Miguels?
RR: The truth is, yes, I think it has been segmented a lot. Since so many have immigrated here to live out their old age San Miguel has become more expensive little by little. Coupled with this is the great influx of tourism, whereby not all of us can afford the high prices.
JA: If it were within your means and you could change something in the city, what would it be?
RR: Corruption, arrogance, and apathy. I know I ask for a lot, but it would be my ideal.
JA: If you were mayor, what work would you would propose for the city?
RR: I would love to be able to create an asylum to house all those living on the streets, to give them a second chance, offer them doctors. I would like to train them in something that they consider to be their strength so that they can be productive on their own, sow the seeds of helping others in them. Then, in the future, according to their ability, they could do the same for someone else.
JA: How do you see the transformation of San Miguel? From the real estate side, is it good or bad?
RR: We have had a lot, a lot of positive growth, however, everything in excess can be counterproductive. The evolution and growth must be ordered and planned with great caution and responsibility. In my point of view, they have been exaggerated and without adequate planning.
JA: Is there a phrase that identifies you, or you say to people to change their day, attitude, or energy?
RR: I always say, “May God bless you.”
JA: What is your favorite street and favorite coffee?
RR: Calle del Chorro, where I grew up; my favorite coffee is black without sugar.
JA: Any recommendations for visitors?
RR: Always plan your stay ahead and try to deal with certified people is safer.
