Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew McClure.
Hi Matthew, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Matt Here! My story begins in December, and in fact, it’s on Christmas day. But that is not all that was for seeing that early morning; I also am the first brother out of twins! So not only did we surprise everyone because we were supposed to be born in January, but we were also supposed to be the opposite sex. So you better believe we were a surprise to my adoptive family. That is right! My brother and I were also born in Brasilia, Brazil, and were adopted four days after our birth. My family moved back to Oklahoma City to be closer to my father’s mother, and I have been there for seven years.
Our parents had been missionaries in Brazil for many years before we were born, and they knew the language Portuguese. They sought to teach us Portuguese and English; however, we struggled to learn English, so they decided to focus on English (for now). Later, my family moved to Texas, where I would finish all my schooling from third grade to college. Throughout all those years of education, I was pleased to be a part of the Third Culture Kids group. Being a T.C.K. means integrating from various cultures. Therefore, I have Brasília culture and now American culture! And that all collides together to make me, ‘Me.’ Just like many of my friends around me and many others worldwide. Being a part of this group has shaped me into who I am today. I also got to hand it to my family and friends who’ve helped raise me to where I am now. I also thank my partner, Juan, for pushing me to be the best I can be in any aspect.
Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies, I fast-forward many years later to now working my dream job and having a career helping people ages 5 – 55 with disabilities and autism. I can take my experiences working with many cultures and empathize, implement change, and adapt to different backgrounds and diversities. I also go to City Reach Church and thank them for helping me get back on track with God. And I have found some amazing friends who’ve helped me get there! You all know who you all are because of the tremendous support I have received throughout the years. I am now the strong, resilient, and empathetic Brazilian-American today! Someone who is a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and open to new adventures and places. Someone who loves spending time with his Austin family. PS, Felipe, our long-haired tuxedo cat, says *meow.*
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Many obstacles and challenges were and are still shaping me into who I am today. Being myself, or what others say, being different is hard and terrifying and always has been difficult. Still, I keep friends and family close to help navigate this crazy, exciting, and unrelenting world and core beliefs and common knowledge to pursue.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to be more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
My experience here at Integral Care has been nothing short of wonderful. Integral Care is a mental health program that is under the government to help anyone with disabilities or clients on the spectrum with their everyday lives. I always strive to learn new ways to interact with my clients at the end of the day. I get to go to an arcade or a park or be in their safe place. I want my clients to know they matter and that this program is designed intentionally for them and their parents to have some time to relax. Here at Integral Care, they give us the tools, toys, and training to enrich our client’s lives. Before working for Integral Care, I worked with children and teens for over ten years! My Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies helped me hone in on what I wanted to pursue and how I could help others succeed.
How do you think about luck?
My whole experience before Austin pushed me to Austin in the first place. I was involved in a horrible, just terrible break-up. Due to this situation, it had forced me to rethink where I was living and how I was living and embark on something new. Accepting my friend’s invitation to go with her to Austin, amidst the tragedy and heartbreak, I chose to opt in and start my new life in Austin.
Image Credits
Partner, Juan Mendez-Chavez, Grandmother, Verzella Rainwater Josh McClure and Rachel McClure, Felipe the cat.
