Alberto Salinas: A Life Among Wood, the Road, and Family
At Acoforag, we highlight the story of Alberto Salinas, a forestry operator, whose testimony reflects the values that have shaped the sector: hard work, love for nature, and commitment to family.
"I started, being the eldest, by helping my father in the fields," he recalls. That early connection with the land shaped his character and led him to understand from a young age the value of effort and collaboration. Later, he studied at the Industrial School of Chillán, where he graduated as a mechanical technician, a trade he practiced for several years, though he always kept a personal goal alive: becoming a truck driver.
The Dream of the Wheel
"I always liked driving, and reaching the trucks was my childhood dream," he says proudly. For twelve years, he worked transporting wood to Santiago, traveling endless routes that allowed him to experience different landscapes and people. On each journey, he found not only a source of livelihood but also the freedom of the road and the camaraderie among drivers.
Those experiences solidified his bond with the forestry world, a sector that—as he says—"teaches you to value patience and a job well done."
Wood as a Way of Life
Wood has not only been his livelihood but also part of his identity. With leftover planks and beams he transported, he built his own house. "With all that raw wood, I assembled everything myself. I've always tried to make it artisanal, without iron, because I love wood," he comments. Every corner of his home is a testament to his dedication and respect for the craft.
Family and Pride
Alberto lives with his wife, who maintains a garden full of chard, parsley, and mint, symbolizing a simple life in harmony with nature. "In the afternoon, I wait for her here with something special, with a nice little snack," he says with a smile.
His greatest pride is his three children, all professionals raised through effort and family unity. "We have been a very close family, always together in everything. That is my fortune," he concludes emotionally.
The story of Alberto Salinas speaks not only of work and sacrifice but also of love, identity, and pride in belonging to a world where wood, effort, and family intertwine like deep roots of Chilean forestry.
The video of his story can be viewed on Acoforag's YouTube link:
