When a Pittsburgh teenager wanted to express his appreciation for the warm welcome he received at his new school, he chose a gesture that would feed both bodies and spirits. Christian Romero, a student at Brashear High School who relocated from Mexico just two years ago, organized a taco truck to provide lunch for more than 700 people on campus.
The young man’s journey began in Toluca, Mexico, where he lived before making the 2,300-mile move to Pittsburgh with his family. Adjusting to life in a new country can be challenging, but Christian found support from his teachers, fellow students, and school staff at Brashear High School.
A meal rooted in gratitude
To show his appreciation, Christian partnered with Taqueria El Buen Pastor, a local business whose owners are family friends. The taco truck arrived on campus and served the entire student body, turning an ordinary school day into a celebration of community and cultural connection.
Teresa Mendez Juarez, Christian’s stepmother, explained his reasoning behind the generous act. “He says, ‘everybody likes tacos, there’s nobody that can say no to tacos,'” she shared. She also credited Christian’s character to his upbringing, noting, “All these things he comes up with is because he has a good father behind him.”
The motivation was deeply personal for Christian. “He says it’s more than anything, that he’s being grateful to the institution and to his teachers and his peers to allow him to be here,” Mendez Juarez explained.
Community response
The gesture resonated throughout the school. Kiley Krizan, a school administrator, described Christian as demonstrating kindness, humility, and generosity through his actions. Students appreciated both the sentiment and the quality of the food, with many calling the tacos among Pittsburgh’s finest.
Christian’s gratitude extends beyond his school community. He has expressed interest in organizing similar events for first responders and police officers, citing his appreciation for how they protect his family and neighbors.
The event showcased how acts of thankfulness can strengthen bonds within a community, transforming a simple meal into a meaningful expression of belonging and appreciation.
