Thinking Ahead: Life After High School
Why don’t you feel motivated to extend your studies after high school? Increasingly, the narrative on Latinos in the public space is becoming more negative. We consistently hear Latinos have the worst rates of joblessness, high school dropout rates and low college completion. These statements are unmotivated; we are aware of the numbers, why do we have to keep focusing on these?
For our young Quinceaneras, you know you are the future growth, concentrate on changing the numbers and the reality of the Hispanic community. If you girls focus on the positive stories, there will be a better chance of encouraging good behavior and preventing damaging stereotypes from taking root.
What if we talk about the achievements of the Spanish speakers?
Latinos are a part of the record growth of students pursuing a college degree. According to a report published by the College Board last month, Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid, this is happening because despite the increases in college tuition, there is still a tremendous amount of financial aid available and millions of students are taking advantage. Those who aren’t need to be encouraged by success stories in an environment with so many statistics about Latinos failing in every way.
Can you imagine securing $140,000 in scholarships? My friend Yaritza González graduated from college thanks to these funds. She credits three things for this success: maintaining good grades; alerting everyone in her networks of her financial need; and finally, never getting discouraged. Hers is an exceptional example of how to seize opportunity, but one that is entirely realistic.
For families with undocumented children who might think financial aid is unavailable, the Trends report offers hope. A significant portion of aid to students in private not-for-profit colleges and universities originated from institutional financial aid which could also be available to undocumented students. There are also AP® classes in high school that enable all students to accumulate college credit. If students use that credit to graduate early, they will likely save on college tuition.
Chicas, you can actually get into college, all you have to do is plan your future. You can change the course of history through education. By being positive and proactive we are choosing every day to build an edifying stereotype of Latinos as a can-do people. Resources are not limited; concentrate on changing the Latino stereotype. Start Today!
This post is also available in: Spanish
