Ozzy Navarrete | Journeyman, Cupertino Electric | 332 Member Photographer
“The union is like my second family. No one does you wrong. We’re all part of this organization where everyone has each other’s backs, and the better you work, the better it is for everybody. For me, my union brothers and sisters saved me after my accident.
“When I was a 5th year apprentice in 2017, I got into a car wreck. I was in a coma and had a severe brain injury. The doctors said I’d never walk again, but I was determined. A week after I woke up from my coma, I was able to get out of bed and walk with the help of my mom. I got pretty far by the time the nurse came in.
“I was out of work for a year while I recovered. The worst part was that I lost my memory. So I repeated my entire 5th year of the apprenticeship, and parts of my 2nd and 3rd until I started to remember electrical theory. It was also hard to remember faces. Every time I’d see a classmate, I wouldn’t know who they were, and it was hard talking to people. But because the union is such a family, everyone was patient with me and really encouraging. They all knew what I was going through and helped me come back to work.
“Part of my recovery has been photography. After being in the hospital for a month, I got a camera. Your mind forgets things, but when you see a picture, it all comes back. After my accident, pictures helped me remember, so I really started to love it. I loved capturing moments.
“I started to take pictures for Local 332. The union has been there for me, and I love giving back through photography. I’m so grateful to the brothers and sisters who have been there for me, and I love capturing the members at work and at union events. So if you see me with my camera, wave hello!”
