SÍ, se puede – it can be done

When we look at the broad scope of influences on youth of any nationality, the most important influences come from people and programs: people such as parents, counselors, friends and mentors, and programs that people have put in place because they’ve figured out what works and wish to institutionalize it.

David Aguayo grew up in Mexico and moved with his parents to California, where a high school English teacher recognized his potential. At her recommendation, he applied to a national leadership program aimed at low income youth called Summer Search. Summer Search sent him backpacking in Colorado one summer and to a boarding school in Maine the next. In the process, they developed his leadership skills and motivated him to take the next big step – college

David says his father, a day laborer, told him the family had no money for college tuition. But through a combination of work, scholarship and loan programs – and the encouragement of Summer Search and his high school mentor – David is where he is today: an MU graduate with a degree in secondary education and aspirations for a PhD in counseling psychology.

The first years of college weren’t easy for David. He speaks of being isolated and lonely. But he learned from his mother’s example about the importance of community involvement. He joined HALO, the Hispanic American Leadership Organization, on the MU campus. He began to apply his energy and positive attitude toward helping other Latino youth and founded an organization called ALBA that encourages Latino high school students to attend college

Inspired by another mentor, Linda Flores of the MU College of Education, David aspires to be a teacher and mentor to others like himself, who just need someone to look at them, and see potential.

Looking back over his obstacles and achievements, David says, “I’m still flying. We’ll just see where the wind takes me.” His motto says it all: Si, se puede – it can be done.

Comments

[Heather]

I am always cheered when I read about talented students who have been given the tools and support they need to succeed. Let's make sure that all students receive these same opportunities!

[Tim]

I really enjoyed the article Si, se puede. It shows that any thing is possible especially if you have support from others and the drive to succeed.