Interviewer
Melanie Reyes
Project
Stories from the Chamizal Library
Summary of Interview
This interview with El Pasoan Rubén Casas reflects on his childhood both in Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, as well as his experiences growing up in Segundo Barrio. Casas describes his early life in Juárez as centered around family, where relatives lived together on his grandmother’s property and spent time together daily. In 1959, when he was around ten or eleven years old, his family moved to El Paso after his mother wanted a different life for the family. The transition was difficult because he struggled to adapt to a new culture, environment, and language. Despite the challenges, he gradually learned English and credits supportive teachers for helping him succeed academically and personally.
Casas also discusses how his school experiences shaped his identity and future. After attending school in Juárez, he was placed back into first grade in El Paso because of the language barrier, even though he had completed third grade in Mexico. Although he fell behind his twin brother academically, he did not let it discourage him and instead focused on learning English and improving himself. He speaks highly of several teachers, especially Latiné educators who encouraged him to value his culture and pursue success. At Bowie High School, he became heavily involved in band, ROTC, and student life, developing pride in being a “Bowie Bear”. He remembers Bowie as a predominantly Latiné school where students often spoke Spanish. Casas also recalled participating in a student walkout protesting the school’s treatment of Spanish-speaking students, which reflected growing cultural pride and activism among Mexican American youth during that time.
Throughout the interview, Casas emphasizes the importance of hard work, resilience, and pride in one’s roots. He describes Segundo Barrio as a strong community where neighbors looked out for one another and where young people learned to work for everything they earned. He reflects on witnessing the signing of the Chamizal Treaty and explains how important the Chamizal area was to local residents and Bowie students. After high school and military service in the United States Marine Corps, Casas built a successful career through determination and hands-on experience, eventually rising from a janitor position to facility manager. By the end of the interview, he stresses the importance of honoring the history of Segundo Barrio and remaining proud of where one comes from, describing the neighborhood and Bowie High School as central to shaping his identity and values.
Date of Interview
4-8-2026
Length of Interview
1:00:02
Transcript Number
1841
Length of Transcript
13 pages
Transcriber
Melanie Reyes
Interview Number
1840
Terms of Use
Unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Interview with Rubén Casas by Melanie Reyes, 2026, "Interview No. 1841," Institute of Oral History, University of Texas at El Paso.