Attending College…Despite My Counselor

I am the first person on both sides of my family to attend college. I am the oldest of 15 children. At five years of age, I began working in the agricultural fields, picking all kinds of fruits and vegetables. My parents stressed the importance of getting an education, even though they did not have the opportunity to attend college because of their financial responsibilities to their families.

I faced many obstacles as I battled my way to college. Many in my family freely expressed their views that girls should not attend college. I was also not expected to leave the house before getting married. My high school counselor was not very helpful. She had racial and gender biases that blinded her to my potential. In fact, she tried to steer me away from challenging courses and into home economics.

I applied to the University of California, and learned that I lacked a semester in a second language in order to be admitted. I was interviewed by a group of students and university staff who saw my potential. They were part of a program called the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). I was accepted into the program, and was able to attend a summer program that allowed me to complete the requirements to attend the university in the fall.

My university degree opened doors to many job opportunities. I was able to work in banking, and with the federal government in Washington D.C. and in Los Angeles. I was also able to realize my dream of becoming a teacher. I taught classes in English and in Spanish in an economically disadvantaged area of Los Angeles. A college degree allowed me to choose a career that I loved for 30 years.

- Gloria Reyes