A Tribute to Five Amazing Latinas

I grew up in a working-class community in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, where many young people live in poverty, join gangs, and drop out of high school. Rarely do I hear youth talking about going to college or changing the conditions of our community. And yet, not only have I beaten the odds, but my mom and four sisters have as well. My story is one that is often unheard of in low-income communities across the United States—it is a story of six Latinas who have decided to not only better ourselves but also to better the lives of those around us.

In July 2005, my sisters and I proudly cheered as our mom walked across the stage to receive her high-school diploma at the age of 48. A feeling of humility overtook me, and a smile formed across my face. I thought about all the times my mother had told my sisters and I about the importance of an education. I thought about her determination and perseverance, even when juggling school and two jobs. My mother also taught us to use our education to help others. To this day she tells us, “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. And we want to be a part of the solution.” There is no doubt that we are successful today because of her guidance.

Leticia Rodriguez (bottom right) with her mother (top left) and sisters Laura, Adriana, Brenda and Cynthia

Laura is the oldest at the age of 23, and a recent graduate of California State University, Northridge (CSUN). She is currently in a teacher-credential program and the supervisor for an elementary-school morning program. She plans to return to our home community to teach in the fall of 2006. Laura has served as an inspiration to us all, showing us that we too, could graduate from college. I know that she will do the same for her students next year.

Cynthia, 19, is the most humanitarian of us all. She often donates her money to charitable organizations, and she makes a point of buying products from local street vendors who are forced to earn a living in that manner. Cynthia also has a strong commitment to achieve in school. She recently transferred to CSUN and is also studying to be a teacher. She too, works in an elementary-school morning program where she has substantially increased the number of students enrolled.

Adriana, 17, has applied to several colleges and will enroll in the fall of 2006. She strives for excellence in everything she does, and her amazing talent has led her to perform in numerous school productions. She has also spent a lot of time as a volunteer tutor, not only ensuring that her high-school peers get the extra help they need but also teaching in a way that keeps students engaged in school and learning.

Brenda, 14, is only in ninth grade, but she already aspires to attend Stanford University. At her high school, she is excelling in challenging courses, is treasurer of the Freshman Council, and participates in cross country and track and field.

As for me, I am 22 years old and will graduate in June 2006 from Stanford University with a degree in political science. I have been told I am an idealist, but I believe that one day those who are at a disadvantage in our society will have the same opportunities to succeed in life that I have had. In the fall of 2006, I plan to be a Teach for America corps member in Los Angeles, where I will ensure that my students receive the same educational opportunities as their peers in higher-income areas.

My mother recently enrolled in college and received an A in her first class. I suppose one can say that she, my sisters and I all motivate each other to excel. But we also remind one another that others in our community are still struggling, and we try to do something to help. Our goal is that one day our story will not be unique.