My name is Cynthia Garcia. I am a Teacher’s Assistant at Nueva Vista Elementary School in Bell. I am currently attending Cerritos College where I am studying to be a teacher. My dream comes from my families’ immigrant experience.
Harsh times drove my grandmother and father from Mexico through the desert to the U.S. 40 years ago. My grandmother worked hard as a nanny and would often come home to her own child – my dad – exhausted from taking care of other children. But like so many immigrants, they had a dream. They were determined and hopeful.
Because my father was undocumented he was only able to pursue a high school education. He got a job at a hardware store. He moved up the ladder, became a sales clerk and finally a manager. If he could have had a college education he would be so much further in his dream. That is why he always stressed the importance of education, of involving yourself in a sport, doing homework, and, of course, going to college.
My father is the reason I chose education. I want to teach because I am living proof that what you learn as a child stays with you forever. And my grandmother is the reason I work hard. As a child she told me stories of her youth, of hard work, of courage, and determination. I thought to myself, “that is exactly the woman I want to be.” She came. She saw. She conquered. She taught me that if you want happiness, you have to work hard.
If I have learned anything it is that with these building blocks I refuse to believe that the sky is the limit. With hard work and education, we can reach for the stars. This is what I hope to inspire in my students.
