Bits and Pieces

I am blessed to have a loving and caring mother that has encouraged me throughout my life to pursue my dreams and aspirations. A father who has provided shelter over my head, has put food on the table for my siblings and I, and has never ask for a single penny in return. I am the second oldest of four, my older sister Erica, graduated from CSUF in 2006 and my younger sister Maribel just finished her schooling there as well. My brother Felipe the youngest, is currently attending Rio Hondo College. Yet here I find myself thinking why did it take me three long years to realize I needed to go back to school. Was it to make my parents proud, so I wouldn't be known as the "black sheep" in the family, or was it to fulfill my own personal desires of satisfaction. Personally, I think it is both I want to make my parents proud and I want to have a successful career where I can help change peoples lives. I was fortunate enough to be raised in a community where people value education, family and morality. Most people who have heard of Whittier, California think of one thing, Richard M. Nixon, the 37th President of the United States. A fellow student of Whittier College, President Nixon helped put Whittier on the map. Although I have lived most of my life in Whittier and have enjoyed the comfort of privacy and security it wasn't always that easy. My family moved to Whittier when I was five years old, before that we rented a one bedroom apartment in Los Angeles, in the corner of Eight Street and Esperanza Street. Coming from a very traditional Mexican background my parents have always worked hard throughout their lives to own their home. There are many goals in life I wish to accomplish, I too want to one day be the owner of my own house. It might not be on a hill with a white picket fence but knowing that it is mine would be self rewarding. In order to be able to accomplish this goal in life I understand that there are many responsibilities in life I will have to face. The foremost important responsibility will be attaining a diploma from a prestigious university. A diploma that can symbolize, success, determination, wisdom and respect. With a major at hand concentrating in Political Science I wish to be able to understand the views of the world. The reasons behind every view and ideals that impact our country and the international community on a daily basis. For these reasons and more I enjoy spending my free time engaging in conversations that deal with the problems of the world. I listen and watch newscast, yes including "CNN" that can keep me up to date on current events. However, I do value family and therefore, I find myself spending great amounts of time interacting with them. Whether it be from simply watching a movie or a basketball game together (Los Angeles Lakers) I always find the time of day to make quality time for my siblings, parents, relatives and friends. I hope that at the end of the semester I will have a more comprehensive understanding on the history of Chicano Studies. Where it originated from, what does it mean to be a chicano and most importantly how does teaching and advocating about chicanos in America and in the world help us have a better understanding of the daily struggles we face in life.