Latino Students Talk About How Teachers and Librarians Have Transformed Their Lives
RSSBy Shelley M. Diaz
How can Latino students make their dreams come true? That's one of the topics that was center stage at a daylong event devoted to Latino students' academic achievements. Held at NBCUniversal Headquarters in New York's Rockefeller Center on the Saturday Night Live stage, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) hosted the Latino Education Summit on Monday, January 30. Close to 150 educators, government officials, businessmen, and media gathered to discuss "Keeping the Promise: Partnerships for Latino Education Success." Three dynamic panels featured well-known leaders, celebrities, and experts, including José Díaz-Balart, Telemundo news anchor; Natalie Morales, NBC Today's news anchor; international recording artist Frankie Negron; and award-winning actor and director Tony Plana (pictured right). But the true stars of the day were five Latino students who had the opportunity to share with the audience their own personal struggles and challenges faced while pursuing their academic goals. In a panel moderated by the Congressman Jose Serrano, these high school and college scholars, many of them the first in their families to attempt higher education, testified to the importance of mentors, teachers, and librarians to their current success. There was not a dry eye in the house as NYU student and CHCI intern Mariella Paulino, who lost her hearing from meningitis as a small child when she first immigrated to the United States, spoke about the contagious strength of her single mom and the aid of local Bronx businesses that sponsored her many scholarships and research opportunities to Alaska. Julian Rodriguez, a junior at Mott Hall Bronx High School and a current CHCI scholar, said he has always felt pressured by his peers to reject his educational goals and pursue a career as a basketball player or be content to work at McDonald's instead. He credits his school librarian, who he referred to as Ms. Gray, for encouraging him to stay in school and out of trouble. Kathya Marte, another CHCI High School Leader and a sophomore at Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice, grew up in the Bronx in a house full of women. She has always felt that society doesn't expect much from Latinas, but that has only driven her to accomplish more. She credits one of her teachers, Ms. Taylor, for inspiring her to create an after-school program at her school, Academic Zone, where she and her classmates had the opportunity to pursue and learn the classroom and job skills needed to be successful individuals. NYU student and CHCI-Telemundo Scholar, Eddie A. Bernard, became addicted to libraries as he struggled to finish his high school career. The Hamilton Fish branch of the New York Public Library was his hangout. There he fell in love with audiobooks and considered the librarian, Ms. Perales, as one of his grandmothers. He preferred spending time there instead of on street corners where, he noted, his friends had nothing to offer him. These students affirmed that with the help of teachers, librarians, advocates, and family support, they were able to accomplish their dreams, despite their financial and language barriers, societal pressures and expectations, and even immigration status. About CHCI The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, provides leadership-development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. CHCI's board of directors is comprised of Hispanic members of Congress, and nonprofit, union, and corporate leaders.
February 3, 2012
l. to r. Rep. Jose Serrano, Mariella Paulino, Kathya Marte, Ester Aguilera (CHCI Pres.), Eddie A. Bernard, Anival Gonzalez, & Jenny Alcaide. Photos courtesy of CHCI
