Meet Jacob Teran | College Professor & Writer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacob Teran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacob, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a creative career because it allowed me to express who I am. My life took many unexpected turns. My background is not the typical/ traditional one. I dropped out of high school. I went to a juvenile rehabilitation center for what was known at the time as at-risk youth. I got into trouble in the streets by making some questionable choices. I saw many violent acts that most teenagers (depending where one lives) don’t witness and experience. Being able to express my feelings, thoughts, past experiences through a creative outlet is not only therapeutic for me, but it also allows me to express myself and my identity that has evolved over the years. The same way I enjoy running, walking, and hiking, working on my writing allows me to feel fluid and moving – a state where I feel the most productive.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Well primarily I am a college professor of English and Critical Thinking with an emphasis of Chicano Studies that I apply to all of my classes. I like to say, college professor by day, writer by night. It can be challenging to manage these two separate professions, but I love doing both. The purpose I have from teaching comes from my students which encompasses the conversations we have during discussions, them sharing their goals with me, and most importantly their success. With writing, it allows me to express myself and identity which is rooted into many aspects of what I teach such as Chicano Studies and the identity of Chicanx People and our lived experiences.

I think what sets apart my work from others is my own lived experience of growing up the way I did and trajectory to where I ended up. I also don’t think my work is any more or less special than others doing the same thing. I just have not met many people who were on a destructive path only to end up as a college professor. I know they’re out there! I just have not met many. I am humbled to teach and have my students trust me. I am also humbled to write and have an audience of any kind.

After my time in juvenile rehabilitation and dropping out of high school, I reflected a lot on my life and those around me. Growing up in my barrio, I seen people shot, stabbed, jumped, and I have participated and been on the opposite end. Although I never joined a gang, I have been around and experienced enough to know the lifestyle, which did not attract me in the end, despite the countless opportunities. What scared me more than the violence in my neighborhood were the after effects – becoming unhoused, excommunicated by family, developing a mental illness. Because I was engaging in casual debauchery daily, I knew I was good at it. Before I hit 20, I began to truly think about my future and realized how good I was at being “bad,” maybe, just maybe, I can use that energy to help myself grow and prosper.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Man, I’d say, you got to check out Taihei – an authentic Japanese restaurant in Monterey Park. Hands down, probably the best Japanese food you can have. My dad first took me here when I was 12 years of age and have been coming back over 20 years since. The people that work there are very friendly, warm, and the food again, is absolutely bomb.

If there is a ceremony around, I would say to attend a Danza Azteca Ceremony or Native Pow Wow. I am a danzante and part of a Danza Azteca group. Danza can be seen as a form of dancing that respects the ways of the Indigenous Mexica People. Our dances (sometimes called prayers) are about energy, oneness, and giving thanks to the elements and our ancestors. I would recommend seeing a Danza Ceremony when and if you ever hear of one. The ceremonies I attend with my group are mostly open to the public. The only thing I would add is to respect the circle of the ceremony going on and all of the danzantes – this means to not touch by any means the regalia or feathers, don’t jump in the circle or line to take a picture without permission, etc.

Lastly, I would recommend hitting up the trails. The Angeles Forest has so many great trails to hike. Of course, due to accessibility, not everyone has the privilege of driving, let alone, driving far into the mountains. Most places within Los Angeles (Tongva Land), also known as the San Gabriel Valley have hidden gems of trails that are inner city. Some of these inner city trails are found in Whittier, La Puente, Azusa – all which is land that are part of the Indigenous People of the Tongva – something that is not always shared or taught in our Los Angeles schools.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The ones who deserve credit and recognition are my mother, Alicia and my wife, Dulce. They both have shared so much love and support for me and I would not be where I am without them.

My mother has loved and supported me since I was born and never let up. Whether it was helping me with my homework as a chamaco after she worked an 8 hour shift and still managed to make dinner, or taking the time to listen to my repetitive insecurities, my mom has been there and continues to. She is primarily the reason I believe I am creative and an educator – she encouraged me to express myself, unveil whatever curiosities poked my mind, and embrace my inner weirdness.

Website: https://jacobteran.wordpress.com/

Instagram: nopal_cafe

Image Credits
Picture of Jacob Teran in Traje de Manta – San Jose Mexica New Year 2025 – Picture taken by Daniel Hijxs IG: @ojo_de_cipactli