By Terra Avilla
Sweet, sweet Jojo. I love him so much. #1 is that his name is fun to say, (notice how that is first and foremost) #2 He is a great person. #3 He is a funny person and #4 In his own way he is helping shape, change and improve our community.
Jojo Villareal (whose real name is Josiah) is a young, local man, with a bright-as-can-be personality.
Jojo is a safe person to be around. I know that sounds abstract, so please allow me to elaborate.
You know those tiny things that you appreciate in a person? Jojo does all of them. Jojo is the type of person that in a group setting, includes everyone in the conversation.
If he sees someone being left out, Jojo is the person who will stand by them, or ask them a specific question to draw them into the conversation so they don’t feel left out.
Jojo is a person that remembers tiny details about your life, showcasing his huge heart and that he really does care about people. He cares about people enough to remember the things important to them.
Years have passed since I was Jojo’s SRO, yet every time I see him he still makes an effort to ask how my girls are – remembering their names. Even though Jojo is incredibly busy he still spends way more time asking about others than he does talking about himself.
Jojo is the type of person who doesn’t have to be asked to help someone, he just does. His heart is truly as big as his personality.
During the past several years I have been honored to see Jojo grow into a very hard-working young man.
Aside from being the spark in any room he walks into, he really is working to better our community.
Jojo has big dreams of working in the medical field and his current work, Banner Lassen Hospital, recognizes what an asset he is. (Not that it is very hard to figure out.)
I can only imagine what a great co-worker and employee he is, as his personality, intelligence and big heart will suit him well in any field, but especially in a field where he cares for people.
Jojo you are an incredible gift to our county, and I have been so blessed to watch you grow up before my eyes. I am lucky to call you my friend and I want you to know I look up to you. You are a bright star and one of the reasons I love where we live.
