From SOS child to lawyer

José Albino Fernández, who grew up in SOS Children's Village Mexico City, is now 40 and works as a lawyer. He left the SOS Children's Village 26 years ago and is still very close to his SOS family. In this interview, he speaks about his past and current life as well as his hopes and wishes for the future.

What's your profession?

I have a law degree from the 'Universidad del Distrito Federal', but I have not taken the professional examinations to get the degree officially certified yet. I have worked in a lawyer's office for ten years. I left that job in 2006 and started working in other law-related areas. Now I work with the president of the Chamber of Notaries. I review files and manage official matters.

Are you married, and do you have children?

No, I am not married. When I was 30, I decided to move in with my partner. We had a baby boy, but he died when he was a year and a half years old. I would love to have another child and teach him or her everything my SOS mother taught me. I would take him/her to kindergarten, and later I would help him/her with homework.

What are the most important things you learnt from your SOS mother?

Being responsible at work and looking after myself. She also taught me how to do all the household chores. I can wash and iron my clothes, and I cook. Knowing how to do these activities has made me an independent man. She was very responsible and cooked delicious food - I still crave the creamy potatoes she used to cook!

Do you think that the advice you received from her has had a positive impact on your development?

Yes, I do. If my mother had not taken the time to supervise my homework, I wouldn't have managed to graduate. Thanks to her, I acquired a sense of discipline, which helped me a lot during my studies.

Are you still in touch with your SOS mother?

Sure, I have a very strong relationship with her. I always tell her, "You are the only one allowed to give me orders". She is 82 now and lives with her biological daughter. I visit her frequently. She invites me to have lunch or dinner, and she is always happy to see me. I love her because she is kind and still cares for me now.

Do you remember all your SOS siblings' names, and how was your relationship with them?

Of course I remember their names! Mario, Carmela, María, Elena, Teresa, Fidel and Jesús. We lived together just like biological siblings. Even though there were moments when we had fights, we took care of each other. My mother taught us to treat each other well, which resulted in good relationships. We also used to have a lot of sports competitions - basketball, football and various races. I am still in regular contact with Teresa, who is encouraging me to finish my dissertation. I don't meet up with her that often, but I enjoy seeing her whenever we meet up. I have a close relationship with Mario because I work with him at the weekend. We make most of the weekends we spend together by having lunch together and talking. I also speak to Carmela quite often.

Do you think that having grown up at an SOS Children's Villages is a good basis for success in life - no matter where you come from?

It is, because there's no evil or malicious intent at the village. It's not like an orphanage; it is like a home where you are free. People worry about your health, your dreams, and taking care of you. You can come in, go out, and you can make friends with other families.

What would you like people to know about SOS Children's Villages?

People should know that SOS Children's Villages is concerned about the welfare of children, that contributions do count, because people like me, who lost their parents or haven't even ever meet them, can find a new, loving home.