MIGRANT STUDENTS BECOME  HEROES IN OVERCOMING OBSTACLES

Migrant students face obstacles that most of their classmates can hardly imagine.

To succeed, they frequently must overcome language barriers, poverty, and prejudice, as well as social isolation and family problems.

To do so -- to succeed where so many others would have failed -- is to be a hero. And Washington State has hundreds of young heroes to look up to.

"They have real triumphs. They are modest, and they don't trumpet it, but this is real front-line stuff," says Sandra Pasiero-Davis, director of the Migrant Educational Regional Office 105 in Yakima. She says with all the bad examples we read about in the newspapers, "we need these heroes!"

The following students were among more than 250 included in the book, "Washington State Exemplary Migrant Students 2001," published by the state's Office of the Superintendent of Public Schools. To be included, they had to be former or current migrant students attending a Washington high school, with legal migrant status, and with a GPA of 3.0 or 2.8 with no grades less then "C".

OUTSTANDING STUDENTS FOR 2000-2001

Judith Arroyo, Wapato High School junior (3.65 grade point average), is a young lady who knows what she wants. "My long-term dream is … to enter the Army and work as a military police officer until my discharge, then continue studying to become a special agent." She, as many of these young heroes, has overcome numerous obstacles. She wrote: "When I arrived in Washington in 1994, I spoke no English at all. In addition, my parents gave me little, if any, support. They did not care about my schooling or my success in it. They would not allow me to stay after school for games, get help from a teacher, or participate in any other extracurricular activities. I have also had to balance schoolwork around my employment obligations. I have had to learn to prioritize my time."

Jesus Barriga, a Davis High School graduate (3.39 GPA) says, "My goal is to make my dreams come true … to help my family and my community." But she's had to overcome poverty, family problems and language barriers to get to where she's at.

Graciela Mariscal, a Brewster High School graduate (3.12 GPA), became a leader not just of her Hispanic classmates, but of the entire school. She was class secretary as a freshman, vice president as a sophomore, class president as a junior, and ASB president as a senior. She plans to pursue a master's degree and become a elementary school teacher.

Melinda Martinez, a Warden High School grad (3.84), also served in numerous ASB positions, including Business Manager. She also plans to become an elementary school teacher.

Javier Rios, an Eastmont High School grad (3.5 GPA), left his family behind and came to the U.S. as a junior, unable to speak English. Going to the Migrant Student Leadership Conference in Ellensburg was the best experience of his life. Now he wants to become a teacher or a computer specialist.

Miguel Martinez, a Warden High School junior, maintains a 3.86 GPA while participating in sports and other activities. He wants to become a computer engineer.

OBSTACLES TO OVERCOME

Juan Chavez, a Ephrata High School senior (3.88 GPA), wants to become a police officer and help people. But he has had to overcome many obstacles along the way. He did not come to the United States until he was 15. "I was born in Mexico to a poor family who was not able to educate me in my country. My parents made a sacrifice to send me to the United States so I could get an education and a good job. And, one day my siblings will have the same opportunities. A college education will allow me to help my parents to support my siblings." Besides having to learn a new language, Juan works part-time to help support himself.

Leonardo Espinoza, a Wenatchee High School junior (3.65 GPA), has faced such obstacles as "coming to the United States and leaving part of my family over there, … adapting to the life here, … starting to learn English, … and working to help my family. Those, I think, are the most difficult obstacles that I have overcome, but I did it."

Seydi Pamatz, a Brewster High School grad (3.7 GPA), wants to become a nurse and wants to help her family get out of poverty. First she has had to adapt to a new culture and a new language. "I started school without knowing any English. I did not understand the method of teaching."

Agustin Garcia, a Othello High School grad (3.45 GPA), is frequently homesick, since his mom and brothers are still in Mexico. Shyness has also been a problem in both making friends and in learning English. "It took me a while to be brave and start talking. … I was afraid of speaking and not pronouncing it right."

Yareli Lucero, a Quincy High School junior (3.26 GPA), left Mexico when she was 14. "I had to go to school and try to do my work in English. Also, I had to leave some family in Mexico. I moved to the U.S. with my mother. It is difficult to leave family and friends."

Miriam Sanchez, an Omak High School grad (3.38 GPA), had many obstacles as a migrant from another country. Learning the new language, keeping up with school, maintaining a job, and participating in extracurricular activities was a challenge. She now looks forward to new challenges, going to a university and studying international business, languages or psychology.

Silvestre Garibay, an Eastmont High School grad (3.39 GPA), wants to become an architect. "Coming to this country was very tough, and having to learn a new language and adapt to a completely different culture was hard. When I first got here, I didn't speak any English and I had no friends. There was nobody I knew. Luckily for me, on my first day of school, I met some people that helped me feel at home. Still it was tough when the teacher spoke and I didn't understand."

LANGUAGE BARRIERS TO OVERCOME

Most, if not all, of these young heroes have had to overcome language barriers.

Laura Astudillo, a Pasco High School junior, has a 3.91 GPA, despite knowing no more than 10 words of English when she came to the U.S. two years ago. Now she wants to become a computer engineer. "I'm not following this career because of the money. … Something that my teacher told me is, 'Enjoy what you do. Don't get involved in it because of the money.'"

Rodrigo Velazquez, an Eastmont High School junior (3.89 GPA), wants to finish school with "top grades" and then become an architect. When he entered U.S. schools in eighth grade "I did not have anyone to help me except my ESL teacher."

Yadira Jaimes, a Wenatchee High School junior (3.7 GPA),  says one of the biggest obstacles she has had to overcome was "the fear and the shame of not speaking English."

Alma Garcia, a Nooksack Valley High School junior (3.16 GPA), wants to go to college and then Police Academy to become a police officer.  She arrived at Nooksack High not speaking any English. "I don't always understand what the teacher and students are saying. Everyday I understand a little more." She says becoming a police officer is a good career choice because "I'm hardworking, responsible, and I work well with people."

Gerardo Ruelas, a Sunnyside High School senior (3.46 GPA), wants to go to college and study history, but he sounds like he might be a great politician. "I like to know about the people of the past, what happened to them, their beliefs, their legends, myths, and all about their cultures. Also, what is happening now in our world is important to me." But his school experience did not start out easy. "When I first went to school, I felt like a baby. I couldn't understand anything. … Since that time, I have been trying to learn all about this country, from its language to its culture."

Pedro Silva, a Highland High School graduate (3.5 GPA), wants to become a computer scientist. He says learning a new language was very frustrating, but so was changing cultures. "I had to totally change my simple way of living."

Humberto Gonzalez, a Walla Walla High School senior (3.55 GPA), wants to seek an associate's degree in construction. Learning a new language, he says, "was hard for me because no one in my family knows how to speak English. I needed to help my family, so I went to school and learned how to read and write English as my second language."

Jaime Gonzalez, a Prosser High School senior (3.28 GPA), wanted to drop out of school. "I didn't know one word of English. At first I felt so bad because I couldn't understand, I told my mom that I wanted to quit school and go to work in the field. But my mom convinced me to stay in school to get a better education and learn English. Now I'm glad I stayed in school."

Herlinda Marbella Mendez, a Davis High School graduate (3.9 GPA), had already started college while completing high school. She hopes to have her AA degree by spring 2002, then transfer to a four-year school. But it's been challenge. "I had to learn English and how to express myself properly, " she wrote. "Also, I have had to learn to speak in public, which was hard since in Mexico women are trained to be silent." She overcame those obstacles and says she "will overcome any obstacles that get in my path."

Erika Hernandez, a Mount Vernon High School junior (3.59 GPA), wants to become an architect or engineer. But going to a U.S. school has been challenging. "I had to start with the basics and learn what I already knew in Spanish, but now in another language. It was hard and sometimes I even gave up, but there were two ladies, Mrs. Goodwin and Mrs. Jones, who always believed in me and pushed me on. Now I am working on a different goal -- to learn French."

Miriam Cruz, a Sunnyside High School grad (3.61 GPA), wants to get a 4-year degree in Early Childhood Education. She will be the first member of her family to graduate from high school and pursue higher education, but she says, "With the help of God and my parents, I know I can reach my goal." Her biggest obstacle has been the language. "When I started ninth grade, I didn't speak English. It was a hard time because I didn't understand what my teachers told me. … Now I am proud to say I am bilingual."

Erika Ayala, a Lynden High School senior (3.2 GPA), wants to own her own business, buy a house for her family and make sure her sister gets enough education to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. Overcoming language barriers was difficult. "I always felt dumb around people who spoke English because it always seemed like they knew more than me, that they were more intelligent."

Maria Trinidad Padilla, a Davis High School graduate (3.8 GPA), didn't start school in the U.S. until April 1999. "I was afraid, thinking I was the only person who didn't speak English. But when I saw that I was going to have a lot of opportunities to learn a myriad of things, including a new language, I started to study so hard, doing all my homework and attending classes. When I saw my first award for Student of the Month in May 1999, I felt so happy."

Maria Duarte, a Pasco High School grad (3.76 GPA), wants to achieve a college degree in business administration, become successful and provide other disadvantaged but exceptional students with scholarships to help them succeed. For her the language has been the biggest barrier. "When I first moved to the United States from Mexico, I knew no English. I was placed in a special class, and now I can honestly say I speak and write English well." Another obstacle was the frequent moves her family had to make to earn a living.

MIGRATING AN OBSTACLE FOR STUDENTS

Moving from one community to another, and from one school to another is a challenge for any student. Migrant students frequently do this many times during their academic careers.

Jenni Contreras, a Toppenish High School senior (3.48 GPA), wants to go to college and become an elementary school teacher. For her, changing schools frequently has been her biggest challenge. "As a migrant student, the harder obstacle for me is when my family and I have to move from one place to another, and I have to go to different schools where I don't know anyone. It is hard to make new friends because they do not always accept you."

Leticia Silva, an Eisenhower High School senior (3.28 GPA), wants to become a pathologist and go into research. "I want to find the cure for diabetes," she says. Her greatest obstacle has been moving repeatedly. "My parents and my sisters are always moving around. This makes it very difficult to accomplish much in education, but I try very hard. I take honors chemistry and geometry. These obstacles I know I will conquer."

Hector A. Sanchez, a Moses Lake High School senior (3.7 GPA), says his barriers have included prejudice and language, as well as the migrant lifestyle. "I've moved a lot with my parents and worked a lot. It has been hard for me at school because of moving. I have always taken care of my brothers and sisters. I've worked in the summers."

Maribel Rodriguez, a Wenatchee High School sophomore, maintains a 3.2 grade point average and is a member of the Mariachi Band, despite the fact that her family frequently takes her out of school in the winter to return to Mexico. Poverty has also been an obstacle. "There is very little money in the family because my parents work in the orchards. They sometimes don't have the money to buy us what we need for school."

POVERTY AN OBSTACLE FOR MANY

Poverty can be a barrier, but it has also been an incentive for many migrant students to improve themselves.

Noe Alvarez, a Davis High School junior (3.45 GPA), says, "My parents have worked in the fields for many, many years and are now doing a little better. They've done everything in their power just to put food in our mouths, and I love them for that. Whenever I feel like giving up, I just think about my parents, and I say to myself: 'The suffering for my family must stop.'"

Maria Isabel Baltazar, a Lake Chelan High School junior (3.6 GPA), says, "Being poor is a difficult problem to overcome, and this is a really big challenge for me. Working full-time and going to school at night is the only chance that I have." Be she does it -- and she does it well.

Lucia Zavala, a Wenatchee High School junior (3.5 GPA), dreams big. "I want to be a lawyer, … travel around the world, be a famous person, … speak five languages, and be a famous soccer player." But she also has to work hard. Besides learning English and working to keep her grades up, she has to help support her family of eight. "Both of my parents work in the fields cutting and picking. I, too, have to work on the weekends with my father to help support my family. … I work after school, as well."

Maria Cuevas, a Wahluke High School graduate with a 3.85 GPA, hopes to be a school counselor or psychologist. To attend school in the U.S., she had to live with an uncle. "He helped me to support myself. But it is still hard because he doesn't cover all my needs, and I need to work after class to cover them."

Diana Puerta, a Wapato High School junior (3.6 GPA), is determined to be successful in life despite "some obstacles that have almost brought me down," she says. "But I held my head high, and I overcame them. Having two part-time jobs was a big obstacle. I had to find the time to study, work, rest and have fun. It was challenging, but I knew I could do it if I used my time wisely and went with my priorities."

Luis Ramirez, a Sunnyside High School senior (3.24 GPA), began working in the fields when he was 8. He still has two part-time jobs while going to school full-time and getting good grades. He wants to go to college, get a good job and "buy my parents a house in Mexico so they can live happily in their hometown."

Sonia Silvia Avila, a Zillah High School junior (3.3 GPA), plans to study psychology at the University of Washington. "It hasn't been easy for us, because my dad died when I was 3, leaving my mom with three children to raise on her own. Together, we learned that life isn't always easy, and we have to overcome many hard obstacles, but I have learned that everything is possible if you really put effort into it."

FAMILY PROBLEMS TO OVERCOME

Many of the migrant students also face family problems.

Carla Flores, a Nooksack High School senior (3.5 GPA), is rising from tragedy to triumph. "I lost both my parents and had to start a new family with my aunt and uncle. I have been to three high schools. When I started at Nooksack Valley High School, I didn't speak English." Despite all these obstacles, she was 7th grade class president and "Queen of the School" (based on academics, debates, recitations, and a talent show), was student council president in ninth grade, and high school president in 10th grade. She wants to go on to college and pursue a professional career.

Carina Bravo, an Eastmont High School graduate (3.5 GPA), wants to pursue her "dream -- to do something with my life, get a good job, and make a difference." But lack of family support will make it difficult. "The most difficult obstacle to overcome in my life now is that I'm not living with my parents. It is going to be a big challenge for me to follow my dreams without them."

Beatriz de la Rosa, a Mount Vernon High School senior (3.4 GPA), felt like her parents didn't support her school efforts because they couldn't speak English. "Now … I realize that just because my parents don't speak English and aren't able to help me with school work, it doesn't mean they don't support and encourage me to go on." She says she feels "pressure of having to be the first child to graduate from my family. I want my sisters to look up to me and some day be able to say, "Oh, I want to graduate like my big sister."

Ulises Flores, a Centralia High School sophomore (2.9 GPA), has only been in the U.S. one year. Ulises left his mother and siblings in Mexico to live with his aunt and uncle while getting his education. "It has been difficult for me to go to a school in a new country."

Bonifacio Alcantar, a Kennewick High School junior (3.1 GPA) wants "to be an astronaut so I can navigate space and earn enough money to help my children complete their long-term goals." Be he has had to overcome a lot. "When I was 8 years old I came for the first time to U.S.A. I lived here for six years, then I went back to Mexico. I lived six years there. Now I'm back, and I'm living with my dad. I left all my family over there in Mexico."

Jessica Gomez, a La Conner High School senior (3.7GPA), has had to take care of her ailing mother while going to school. Now she wants to go to medical school. "A lot of different reasons have encouraged me to become a doctor, especially my mother's illness. I want to care for people so that I can give thanks back to the world and help whoever I can." Her mother is now in recovery, says Jessica. "I thank God because he was the one who helped me through this."

Noemy Alvarez, a Sunnyside High School grad (3.72 GPA), wants to work "in a medical position." My mom was in a car accident, and it was really hard seeing her rehabilitate. The process seemed really painful. When I was having my training [to become a nurses aide], taking care of patients seemed easy, but when I had to take care of my mom, it was different because it's someone you are related to."

Sandra Araceli Mendoza, a Columbia High School graduate (3.41 GPA), wants to become a pediatrician. "One of my toughest obstacles that I had to overcome was my father's death.  … I felt like a piece of my heart had been stolen. But, with my friends' and my family's support, I got the strength to focus on my future and not dwell on the past. My dad is my angel watching me from above, and I will always be his little girl."

Blanca Chavez, a Zillah High School senior (3.2 GPA), wants to become a dental hygienist. Becoming pregnant while in high school was her greatest challenge. "I gave birth to a gorgeous little girl. Never did I think of dropping out just because of the circumstances I was in. … Now, I still have my senior year to succeed. … The real obstacle I have learned to overcome is never to give up."

Sotelo Beltran, a Quincy High School senior (3.58 GPA), wants to join the Washington State Patrol some day. But even those families with two parents at home are not always encouraged to pursue education. "My mom wanted me to quit school when I was a freshman, but I convinced her I wouldn't have many opportunities that are available if I didn't finish high school and go to college. Dad has always supported me and has confidence in me, so I want to make both of my parents proud."

Pedro Herrera, a Quincy High School junior (2.82 GPA), says his freshman year in high school was the worst year in his life. "My sister fell into a depression and almost does suicide. My brother became an alcoholic and does drugs. My youngest brother began to have panic attacks and can't handle it. Every day he cries and thinks he will die. If I was able to overcome all these obstacles with my family, I can overcome anything." Use/Check???????????

America Carrion, a Davis High School senior (3.84 GPA), stayed in the U.S. to go to school while her family returned to Mexico, where her father could afford proper treatment for a serious illness. "God blessed me with the kindness of two teachers who supported me, but I still felt lonely and saw everything out of my control. Still, my parents cultivated a silent confidence in me that reassures me that with determination, all barriers can be overcome." After graduating from high school, America wants to seek college degrees in teaching and psychology. "As a teacher, I will enthusiastically work to make a difference in the lives of migrant students. Who better to help migrant students than one who's been through the same obstacles. … I hope I will be able to touch their lives as a teacher the same way many did with me. This is the only gift I can give -- the gift of confidence so they will develop the enthusiasm and motivation that is required to be successful."

PREJUDICE, TOO, CAN BE OVERCOME

While no one can deny that prejudice presents a barrier to many migrant students, these young heroes refuse to allow it to stop them.

Cynthia Zapata, a Lynden High School grad (3.59 GPA), wants to become a graphic artist, but she is prepared to confront obstacles of racism. "As a young child I was faced with the cruel reality of what it means to be a victim of racism. It is hard to imagine, but being only 10 years old and having witnessed a burning cross on your driveway is a very scary thing. It is painful to think that there are people in the world who have hatred for someone they do not even know, but it was up to me to overcome and put racism behind me. This event changed my life. It made me realize that I may face difficult obstacles in my future."

Blanca Arroyo, a Wapato High School sophomore (3.29 GPA), wants to become a dancer and choreographer. "Since I didn't speak any English when I first got here, some girls took advantage of that, and they insulted me. They told me a lot of mean and hurtful things. There were many times when I couldn't go outside the house and play because if they saw me, they would start throwing rocks at me. They didn't stop until I confronted them and told them to leave me alone. After that, they never bothered me again."

Hortencia Garibay, a Wenatchee High School grad (3.7 GPA), wants to get a master's degree in accounting. Racial prejudice is a problem she has had to overcome and may have to overcome in the future, as well. "I have noticed just because I look different from other students in the class, some students look at me and think that I am dumb and that I am a trouble-maker because I am Hispanic. I also think that some teachers think that, but at the end of the semester they see that I can be as good as anyone else and even better."

Maria Guadalupe Rios, a Roosevelt High School junior (3.2 GPA), wants to become a microbiologist and be "a role model for the young people … in the Hispanic community." But others have tried to discourage her. "People have come to me telling me I'm not going to make it, that my dreams are just dreams, that it's time to wake up, that I'm definitely living in another world. People have humiliated me for being a migrant youth." Her response? "I'm growing to be a strong tree with roots all over the place. … I know I can do it!"

MIGRANT STUDENTS SET HIGH GOALS

Despite all these obstacles, these young heroes are setting high goals. And, as they achieve their goals, they will be paving the way for the next generation of students, as well.

Blanca M. Aguilar, a Kiona-Benton High School graduate (3.48 GPA), has had to learn English as a second language and overcome her shyness, as well. She wants to achieve her "dream career" to become "one of the few from my family to go to college," being able to "help the Hispanic community as a bilingual (kindergarten) teacher, and helping kids to see that education is fun and important."

Martin Camacho, a Lynden High School senior (3.0 GPA), learned to play four musical instruments from his father, Conrado -- the trumpet, violin, bihuela and gitaron. He then played in his father's Mariachi Band in Oroville. While in the near future he sees the need to learn a trade, he wants to learn to play additional instruments and ultimately join a professional Mariachi band.

Sandra Araiza, a Prosser High School junior (3.21 GPA), says, "Becoming a great, successful lawyer has always been a dream of mine." She admits she has struggled in some subjects, but has learned, "You can do well in anything if you set your mind to it and try your very best."

Ruby Lopez, a Centralia High School senior (3.55 GPA), wants to become a pediatrician. "I want to be a doctor because I like to be a helpful person, and I think it is important for people to have access to doctors, especially kids."

Maria Rosa Barriga, a Davis High School junior (3.25 GPA), says: "I really want to become a lawyer, no matter what the sacrifice would be. If I have to, I can study and work at the same time," she says. "I know the study and internship required, but I trust in myself, and with effort I can achieve my goal."

Ernesto Barajas, a Mount Vernon High School sophomore (3.6 GPA), wants to keep his grades up so he can go to Cal Tech University. "I want to pursue a master's degree in architectural engineering. … This is a goal … I have always dreamed of accomplishing."

Maria D. Blasquez, a Fort Vancouver High School grad (3.1 GPA), arrived at high school speaking very little English, but "through hard work and dedication, I am now able to speak it and write it very well." Now she has a new challenge. "I want to succeed in the world of business. After having accomplished that goal, I would like to help my family, as well as others in the community."

Eustaquio Beltran, a Davis High School graduate (3.55 GPA), who also excelled as one of the top gymnasts in the state, wants to help others. He has already coached an award-winning team of young, beginning gymnasts. He now hopes to become a psychologist. "Ultimately, I would like to give back to my community through success. There is a strong need for psychologists who are bilingual and bicultural."

Luis Herrera, an Eisenhower High School graduate (3.8 GPA), wants to become a surgeon. "I want to help others, not just by attending to their needs as a doctor, but also by promoting higher education to people who come from my background, and other minorities, as well."

Juana Ortiz, an Othello High School grad (3.47 GPA), struggled learning English. "Not knowing the language was really hard because I couldn't talk to other people in school." Now she wants to go on to college. "My long-term goals is to become the nurse that my mom always wanted to be. I have the opportunity that mom never had."

Trinidad Perez, a Wenatchee High School senior (3.53 GPA), wants to attend Gonzaga University and become an attorney. "I want to pay back my parents for giving me a better opportunity in life. I also want to help people in the criminal justice system to improve their lives." Language barriers and poverty have made it difficult, "but my desire to overcome the obstacles got me through it."

Virginia Obeso, a Tonasket High School grad (3.38 GPA), wants to attend college and then become a state patrol officer. "This has been my dream since I was a little girl. I just love helping people that need it. I want to be someone in this world who will make a difference."

Marlen Guzman, a Brewster High School graduate (3.19 GPA), has faced as many obstacles as most anyone. Coming from a poor migrant family with 12 children means there isn't much money to go around. Leaving her home in Mexico and having to make new friends, adapt to a new life and learn a new language made it even more difficult. But she dreams of pursuing a career in psychology and social work, and she wants to help others in despair. "I want to … help those people in need of love and compassion and feel that they have nobody to care for them. I just want to be able to help people set their lives in the right direction, and to somehow, make this place a better world for everyone."

Enedina Brito, a Pasco High School grad (3.17 GPA), says: "My goal is to go to college and become a doctor or a nurse. … Even if it is hard for me, I know I can do it because my family loves me and they support me. My future is in my hands." While she recognizes that being a woman, being Hispanic and still struggling to perfect her English will all present obstacles to overcome, "God gave us many skills to fight for all we want to be in our life. …I will work hard for my goals."

HEROES FOR US ALL

These young men and women are heroes not just for other migrant students but to everyone who has ever faced a challenge they feared was too great to overcome. If these young heroes can do it, so can the rest of us.