5: If It Will Be Possible, Can We?

Both of my parents are immigrants from Mexico. Growing up on the northside of Houston, I saw my parents work extremely hard to provide for my two brothers, my sister, and I the best they could. I was inspired to become a bilingual teacher after my second grade teacher demonstrated a respect for my cultural background and helped me and my family navigate US schools. I remember dreaming of becoming a teacher one day to do the exact same as my second grade teacher. Along with proudly dancing and singing in high school, performing in an opera (La Traviata) right after college, taking two Mexican‑American Studies courses in college, and serving in Title I schools my entire 24 years as an educator, have shaped me to be a proud Mexican‑American Latina ready to lead and defend what is right for the oppressed and underserved with the utmost level of pride and responsibility. The phrase, ¡Si se puede!—Yes, we can! has always been present throughout my life. With the limitations and circumstances I have faced, I have always wondered what it is we are trying to accomplish as well as wonder, ¿Si se podrá?—Can we?