The Man Behind the Seed Planter Mic
Hello Everyone,
First, I’d like to introduce myself, my name is David Monay Jr. I am a proud husband, heart dad, son and brother. My roots are planted here in the Coachella Valley and I plan on helping my community flourish. I’d like to share a little of my story with you all and why I have decided to start my Seed Planter Podcast.
My life story is very special to me because it’s an integral part of who I am today, and my life perspective. being a child of immigrants that left their country in the late 80s has taught me that adaptation to this world is essential to survival and success. Starting from absolutely nothing and being from two different worlds, my parents left their country, home, and families to lead a better life and offer their children a better future. My father, a lone wolf go-getter, decided to set forth on his own path despite having much opportunity in his country.
My paternal grandparents were both educators with many degrees behind their names. Many questioned his decisions, but my father never doubted his decision or looked back. My mother, a strong and resilient woman, came from a humble family who made a living by owning a few small businesses. One being a gas station with a small convenience store, a restaurant and a rodeo located in Tecate, Baja California. My mother being one of the oldest in her family has always been an amazing caregiver. Her love and resilience has taught me to fight for whatever I want in life, and to be passionate about it. Nothing in-between. The reason I share this with you is because my parents are the first seed planters in my life, and I am so grateful for it.
I was seven years old when we moved to the Coachella Valley from Mexicali. I was in second grade and a Spanish-speaking red head. Let’s just say, I stuck out like a sore thumb. I had to stand-up for myself and at times fight for myself. This was a very frustrating time of my life at a very young age but this is where I learned the skill of adapting. This carried on throughout my childhood and I always remembered my roots. My grandmother, my first true love, taught me to always be brave and express myself.
To this day, I am that expressive kid my grandmother encouraged me to be whether it’s through language or art. Regardless, I like to say it how it is and that can be a double-edged sword at times, but with much growing up and life experiences I’ve learned that there is always a time, place and manner to express myself. I decided to express myself creatively through graphic design. I received my degree in 2012 from California State University, Fullerton. This degree opened many doors for me and has established many professional relationships. While working as a freelance graphic designer, I also work for the Palm Springs Unified School District to help pay the bills and provide for my family.
Coming from humble beginnings and life experiences has taught me that it is never too late to begin a new trade, career or goal. This is why I chose to begin a podcast. This involves expression through both language and creativity. I want to share this new found passion I have to help others who also have dreams and aspirations despite what life has thrown at them. I want to demonstrate that you can be a seed planter in life even if you’re that awkward, hyper active red-head, with undiagnosed ADHD.
Thank you to all who have helped mold me and influenced me to begin this journey of becoming a seed planter. If you are new to this page, thank you for your support. It truly means the world to me and my mission to make this world a better place.
-David Monay