100 Latinos 100 Historias 2nd Edition: A Closer Look to Their Stories

By R. C. Ontiveros

The book you are holding in your hands has unique contents and characteristics: it contains stories narrated by high school students. The former, as part of a Spanish project. The latter, as a show of confidence but at the same time a personal interest to motivate and help others. They are stories of 100 Latino students who narrate obstacle

• Language: English
• Publisher: Authors' Tranquility Press
• Release date: Sep 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781959197690

Book preview

1. I Can Do Better

It was a stressful week at school. During my free period, I decided to go to my counselor's office. Walking into his office, I felt a bit awkward. Looking back the room reminds me of my job in the hospital, it was tiny.

I hope my parents give me this Saturday off so I can do my homework. The business has been a bit empty lately. Maybe it's the recession that's affecting people.

My counselor's entrance broke my train of thought as he came in and sat in his favorite chair. I began to tell him about my plans for the future. He looked at me without paying much attention just as my little sister did when I spoke to her. I stopped talking and at that moment his attention shifted to me. He fixed his eyes on me for a few seconds and I saw a sadness in his eyes.

Jasmin, he started. I don't think you should set your goals so high.

That surprised me a lot! I used to think that counselors were there to motivate you, not to tell you that you can't reach your dreams. For a moment I thought that maybe my parents had lied to me. Maybe they had just told me that I could do anything I put my heart into simply because I was their daughter, and they didn't want to hurt me. That thought vanished as fast as it had appeared. I felt bad for even considering such nonsense. I returned to clarity and realized that although the teachers said that we were all the same, as a Latina I was considered a minority. I decided to ignore the comment from the man in front of me. Just because I had some money to go to a good school didn't mean I couldn't get scholarships. He knew well that college is the only way to achieve our dreams; the money could run out, but what was earned in education could not. Even if I worked every day, as I did up to that time, I wasn't going to do my best if I didn't start taking school more seriously. I gave more priority to my work than to tasks or projects. Lessons during class would drag out because of not having slept well. It doesn't matter, the check that comes will be very fat, I thought. I preferred a full wallet rather than an A or B. As long as it happens, it's fine

Then came that stage of my life in which I became more involved in my community. I started going to a program that prepared students to go to college. I motivated other students by sharing what I learned. I tried to help and answer any questions that others had. I reduced my number of hours at work and put them where they should be, at my school. Finally, it hit me that if the day has twenty-four hours, and if we don't do everything we have to do, that can't be fixed with days of 25 or 26 hours, so it's important to know how to manage your time and your priorities.

I was evolving both inside and out. I had the support and affection of my parents and a circle of good friends whom I could fully trust. What is a big difference between good and bad friendships? Bad friends care more about your money than your education. So for them, the more you work, and the more you are willing to hand over, the better. And as for my parents, despite the fact that there was not enough money at home, they never suggested that I work more to help them, but rather pushed me to concentrate more on my dreams.

If it's God's will, this summer I will take classes at my university. I was accepted to a university in Southern Illinois. Although I am undecided on my career, I would like to study something that has to do with communication, political science, or studies related to the Hispanic culture. I believe that these types of people are needed in our community and not just those who work in cleaning or fast-food restaurants.

2. Choosing to Live

I never thought something so horrible could happen so quickly. Anxiously opening the door of the house, I yelled to my mom from the doorway if I could go to my best friend Jessenia's house. She couldn't get out and I had to get there as soon as possible. Nobody answered me, and I became as foolish as a fifteen-year-old teenager usually does when the only thing that matters to you is you and your friends. Everyone in the house was speechless while my mom was on the phone. Then my dad replied. Aeneid, calm down, it seems that Lily is dead. He told me so, so dryly, so curtly that I stiffened and fell back on the couch in surprise. I was there for at least ten minutes, immobilized. Countless tears came out against my will. After a few moments, my mother told us that Liliana had crashed into a tree with her car. I got up and walked to the front door. It took me a bit of work to open the door when my mom stopped me. I told them I was going to walk around the neighborhood for a bit. My dad offered to go with me but I didn't want company. I wanted to be alone. How ironic that it was one of the most beautiful sunny days, Good Friday by the way. I couldn't see clearly. My eyes were drowned in an ocean of tears. A man was cutting the grass. He had on a red shirt and looked relaxed. I wondered how a stranger could be having the best day of their lives today. I couldn't feel my legs, although they seemed to know where they were going as they moved mechanically forward. I don't remember how or when I got to Jessenia's house. I only know that I went down the old stairs and knocked on the door. Her mom answered, and although it seemed that she was not very willing to let my friend out, seeing my state, she let her come to the door. In the midst of tears, I asked Jessenia to forgive me for coming. She ignored my apologies and made me explain what had happened while trying to comfort me. I leaned against the washing machine and fell to the floor. I felt weak. After a few minutes, a car horn honked above us. It was my mom. When I finally got out, she told me to get in the car because we were going to Houston, Texas. I quickly packed my things while my little sister and brother looked at me. The farewell was not very long and the time it took us to get to the airport was shorter. I don't understand how, but my mother slept most of the flight. On the other hand, I felt like I couldn't even blink while on the plane. A cousin picked us up at the airport. He had always been a tall, dark, strong man. Yet now, he looked small and pale with tears in his eyes. Arriving at my aunt's house, I couldn't even imagine how she was going to be, her daughter had passed away. Everyone was as devastated as my cousin.

Those days that followed passed almost unnoticed. The funeral was a fuzzy nightmare and going back to school was even worse. Twenty years old is too early to die, I kept thinking in almost every one of my classes. But little by little, I began to realize that events as horrible as the one that had just happened will stay with you forever but you have power as to how much attention and thought you give them. I could have asked to miss more days of school and stay in my room to cry inconsolably without seeing the light of day. I could have used my mourning as an excuse to fail high school. However, I chose to live, just as I would have liked my cousin to do.

It was difficult. But concentrating on schoolwork was like therapy. Not only that but it helped me arrive at where I am now. I hope to be able to attend my local community college and, God willing, transfer to UIC to complete a certificate in nutrition.

3. My Problem

I wasn't ready for this. I was dying of remorse. I wanted to run away from everyone. That way I wouldn't hurt them. This is not happening to me. I always thought this only happened to other girls at school, but not me!

Despite everything, Miguel supported me a lot during my pregnancy. He admitted that it was also his fault and that's why he decided to go with me to tell my parents. I didn't think about anything else but to abort.

It was a nightmare talking to my parents about my failure. It was my dad who especially took it very hard. I was the apple of his eye. The one who would never let him down. The one who was going to be different than my older sister who got pregnant at eighteen.

My dad would never let me have an abortion, in his eyes I was better dead than committing such an unforgivable crime. Because I had already hurt everyone I loved the most, my father would never allow me to hurt anyone else, especially someone so defenseless.

I kept going to school, but the more the baby grew, the more it distracted me from my studies. It kicked me in class, and I couldn't concentrate. How sad that the emotion of my first little kicks had to be hidden in front of teachers and classmates! It was an ordinarily divine moment turned into a source of shame.

I had a very painful and dangerous pregnancy; I couldn't go to school for a while because I was in pretty critical condition. I vomited a lot, always either in bed or in the bathroom, which put my baby at great risk. After the excruciating pain pain of labor though, I cried with happiness at the sight of my baby girl and because of the stupid idea I had at the beginning to solve my problem.

After having my beautiful Isabel, I started going to school again. It was very difficult to deal with homework and my baby at the same time however. She woke up at any hour of the night to eat. I was left without color in my face or strength in my muscles to go to school.

My mom tried to help me as much as she could, but she also had to work; attending to her many obligations. I was no longer able to go out and enjoy my youth like other girls my age.

Something that touched my heart and kept me going was that as soon as my father saw Isabel, he fell in love with her. I have heard that grandchildren are loved more than children and this was true in the case of my parents. I still believe though, that it would have been better to have had my baby in other circumstances, to the even greater pride and love of my parents.

I graduated from high school last year and am now studying at the ECC to be a nurse. My daughter is in good health, and everything is returning to normal, as far as it goes. I am hopeful that everything will work out for the best.

4. The Immigrant Student

Immigrating to the United States is a process like no other. Everything is different, the people, the country, everything. So when my parents decided to send me to the 'other side' with my brother, I was scared. I had never seen this country in person, only in photos that my brother was always sending to us back home.

He moved to the United States two years ago to find a job to support our family in Mexico. My mom and dad had always wanted me to move too to study and improve my education.

My parents never had a chance to get a good education in Mexico and they didn't want the same for me. They wanted me to receive good marks and achieve my goals; and we all knew that these were things much easier done in the United States.

I was twelve years old when I moved to this country. It was a difficult experience for me, especially since I didn't have my parents. It felt like I would never see them again. Sadness began to fill everything inside of me as I traveled across the border to my new life.

But when I saw my brother in America for the first time, I knew that everything would be fine. He gave me a big hug and my feelings changed. I felt happy and began to realize how much I had missed him. He told me that I would start school immediately.

School was very difficult and I felt intimidated. I could only speak a little and couldn't read or write at all in English. My brother tried to help me when he had time, but that was hard because he spent most of his time working to make money for our family.

My brother inspired me to do better at school and try to understand and learn English and American culture. He also, like my parents, wanted me to get good grades and get a good job. And so I stayed after school to ask my teachers questions and get help.

I even participated in a club that helped students whose first language was not English. When I finally started high school I no longer felt so intimidated and I ended up getting good grades all four years.

I always mailed my report cards back home to show my parents how much progress I had made. They were so proud of me and I was too.

I graduated from high school in 2009. It was a day with mixed emotions. I was so happy because I had achieved one of my most important goals. But I also felt very sad because my parents were not there that day to see what they wanted to, so badly. At least my brother was there recording with the camera.

Although I graduated last year, I'm still not in college. Right now my brother and I are trying to earn enough money to pay for my school. But I still dream I will one day.

We are also waiting patiently for my parents' papers to be confirmed. I don't know when it will happen or how long it will take, but I can't wait to go to college and to see my parents again. I have faith it will happen.

5. My Good and Bad Grades.

Education is very important in the life of young people. It was, and still is, a priority in my life. I loved studying and learning things outside of what was being taught in class. I was also fascinated by all the information I could get. Getting good grades always made me smile and feel proud of myself.

However, not everything was perfect in my grades when I started school. My parents didn't know much English and couldn't help me with my homework or assignments. Sometimes they tried, but they didn't understand. Yet, they never stopped supporting me. That pushed me enough to do better in my academic subjects and to achieve my goals.

My main goal ever since I was a child was to become a nurse. I started taking CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) classes in high school. I also participated in a school club called Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA). I earned a certificate from the state of Illinois to work as a CNA after passing the necessary exam to be certified. I was so happy when I received the news. After receiving certification, I found a job at Oak Crest Residence and Atrium Apartments, where I help the elderly who reside there. I not only got a job, but I got a job that I liked and that I had prepared myself for.

I felt like everything was falling right into place. Life seemed to smile at me. I was going to graduate from high school in the summer and continue studying at the university. I also had this job where I could help pay for the rest of my education. But one day, I started to feel unwell. I thought it was something I had eaten. Days and nights passed, and I realized that I was still feeling ill. I even thought about, and also dismissed, the possibility that I was pregnant. I took a test, and it came back positive. Tremendous result. Why would they call it positive? I thought. I felt like my perfect world was crashing down on me. I could not believe it! Everything I had done to be a good student and have a better life for myself and my family.

Right now, I have six months before my baby arrives. And I have only two more weeks until I graduate. Before, my only plans were to graduate, work the rest of the summer, and then start college. Now the plans have changed a little. It's sad how young people do so many things without thinking about the consequences, without thinking that a simple fact changes your life completely. But you have to know how to face what happens to you and continue. I'm still going to graduate, work, and go to college. But now it will cost me much more work, time, a great deal of patience, and a good bundle of money (diapers and books will have to be bought at the same time). I overcame the language barrier to be successful in school. That problem arose indirectly from my parents. This other problem was the effect of my actions. I know that my next step is going to be very difficult, but I also know that it is not impossible. And for that, I'm going to do everything I can to achieve the rest of my goals.

6. A Good Report

As a child, I had great difficulty speaking English. My parents only spoke Spanish and it was difficult for me to help them with my limited amount of English, my shyness didn't help the situation. That is until I decided to ask my mom to put me in the English class for sixth grade. I learned English, got good grades, and helped my parents translate words. When I entered high school, it was very different. I met many boys and girls who were Hispanic, and who were the first in their family to go to study in the United States. I was able to take algebra my Freshman year, because of my good math grades. My other classes were normal. I had a lot of classes with Hispanics. They were proud of who they were, with their heads held high and always speaking Spanish. I hung out with them a lot, we went out, played soccer during classes, and went to school dances to dance bachata. I never went to class. One day they gave me a piece of paper that said I was in Step 2 or 3. I asked my friends, but they didn't care about those papers. Neither did I.

Until one day, a guy walked into class with a piece of paper. As usual, he gave it to the teacher and she handed it to me. When I saw it, I knew something had changed. I was terrified to think that my parents had to sign it. Just last week, they had yelled at me for skipping class and my missing assignments. I read it and understood that my school counselor wanted to talk to me. Nervously, I packed all my things to go see her, left the class, and went to her office. When she saw me, she guided me into her office and sat me down. You know, Oscar, I can tell you are a good student. You used to get good grades in middle school, I don't understand why you don't even go to class anymore. She went on to say, Oscar, I understand, a lot of teachers place students into classes they simply aren't ready for. I think it's better if we take you out of algebra class, and put you in geometry. I felt angry. I'd earned my spot in that class. Okay-- I completely understand that-but how do you expect me to keep you in that class if you're never there? I stood up. I could raise my grades and be present in all my classes, I promised. I was frustrated, all because I was with my friends who didn't know anything about what the little papers were telling you, all my hard work was going down the drain.

Two weeks passed. I was doing all the homework I never did and the new ones that kept rolling in. My friends tried and tried to talk to me, and then they stopped. I studied hard to get good grades in every class. When the report card came, my counselor sent me another slip of paper. I went and she greeted me with a hug. I always knew you could, you just had to concentrate, she told me with a smile. During my 4 years in high school, I learned that being Hispanic did not mean that I was stupid, I had to show them that I could do it. Today, I am on track to become a dentist at the University of Illinois. I am very happy with my life now. Although I have to pay a lot for college, I know that I will be able to do it. I can achieve my dreams.

7. The First Chair

Ever since I can remember, I have always loved everything related to music. When I was a baby, I used to sing Sesame Street songs, and I always pretended to be a rock star blowing people kisses. Music stimulated a feeling of immense joy during my adolescence. This made me love music, and I decided that I wanted to have music in my life forever.

My new goal of achieving greatness in music began when I joined the orchestra in my elementary school. I fell in love with the violin and decided that I wanted to play the violin as a profession when I grew up. However, I knew that only the strongest survive in the music industry. I decided to practice, practice and practice continuously. I had to strive for perfection and perfection only.

My desire to achieve great things in the world of music led me to join the orchestra at Elgin High School. Sure, it helped me meet more people, an amazing teacher, and relieve stress during the day. But I wanted to participate in the class and improve my technical violin skills.

At the beginning of my second year in high school, my teacher was going to assign everyone their chair in the orchestra. A chair in the orchestra is a classification, with the first chair being the best. Each instrument has its own first chair. That was the day I had been waiting for. With my work and dedication to the orchestra, there was no doubt in my mind that I was going to be in the first chair. Who has practiced the most for at least half an hour during their free time, five days a week? Who was more focused on the music, on the orchestra? I thought that only I had put in the work, and that the first chair was going to be mine. I was waiting for my name to be called, and I got very anxious -- I just wanted my teacher to tell me that I was the first chair of the violins. My teacher opened his mouth, and told us who got the first chair. It wasn't the name I wanted to hear. Okay, I said to myself, I'm going to be the second chair this year. Once again, it was not the name I wanted to hear. Frustrated, I knew that for some reason it was going to be the third violin chair this year. Once again, my name was not called. Finally, my teacher told me that I was going to be the fourth chair.

I looked at the people who had the first, second and third seats. These people weren't as focused as I was on my music. All the other people were smiling, clapping and laughing as I got more and more angry. I decided to talk to my teacher and ask why I had not received the first, second, or third chair.

When I asked my teacher why I was not chosen, he answered me with another question. Do you enjoy playing the violin? At this time, I realized: I didn't really like playing the violin anymore. It had become a task to be completed and nothing more. The magic and