New Page 1

Eddie Rodriguez erodriguez@fcoe.org

Ruben Castillo rcastillo@fcoe.org

Nyob Zoo (Hello),

My name is Pa nhia Vue or here’s how you would spell it in my language (Hmong) Paj Nyiag Vwj. I am currently 19 years of age and the oldest of six children. Both my parents are born in Laos and are from Laos, but I was born and raised in Thailand my childhood years. My family came to the United States in 1994 and now, I have been living in Fresno for the past 14 years. I attended Hoover High School but then transferred and graduated at Sunnyside High School in 07’ (Go WILDCATS). As of right now, I am a full time student at Fresno State College; it’s my third year. I have just recently double major to Social Work and Business with an option in Accounting. I am working with this Migrant Program because I feel like I can relate a lot to the students; I was once a migrant student as well. I feel like I can make a difference in someone’s life by providing the service within my community. I have many goals set for me in the future. I am taking my time step by step to accomplish them. A place I would like to visit one day is my birth place, Thailand. Ever since I’ve moved to the United States, I have never gone back to see how much Thailand changed. I would love to see my birth place once again because I did not have any childhood memories from Thailand.

Remember: “Education is the key to be successful”.

Behind me you see temple in Thailand. It is one of the locations I will visit in my life time...

Hey Everyone,

My name is Ceasar Vasquez. I’m a mentor at West Fresno Middle School and Washington Union High School. It is a delight for me to help students reach their dreams of a higher education. I’m in my last semester at CSU Fresno. And I am so ready to graduate in May with a degree in Kinesiology – General Kinesiology Option. I will continue my education to attain a master’s degree in Psychology. My goal is to work as a counselor at a Juvenile Hall.

My favorite sport is soccer and my favorite food are tacos de carne asada. I enjoy listening to Mexican music (ahuaa). I would also love to learn how to snowboard. In my lifetime, I plan to visit Venice Italy and Paris France.

My Story, like many others, began in the small town of Irapuato Guanajuato, Mexico. I was born and raised in the land of the “fresas” (as in strawberries and not the snobby type of ‘nino Fresa’) and lived happily with my family until my eventual departure to the US. It was the summer of 2001 and I was just fourteen years old. However, I decided to leave my family, my friends and my culture in search for an opportunity at become that which I desired the most: a professional guitarist. 9 years later… it appears my dreams have come true.

As imagined, it was terribly difficult learning the language, however, nothing compared to the dread I had in making friends. It only took me a full semester, but eventually I adapted and I was able to make long lasting friendships that shape me even today. I graduated a Valedictorian and was selected to receive a full ride scholarship to Fresno Pacific University. Following my original dream, I majored in Music Performance and four years later graduated Cum Laude in both, Music Performance and Communications.

Today, I continue to pursue education through the Master’s Program at Fresno State University. Furthermore, I work part time for the Migrant Education office as a College Mentor. Finally I keep working towards my dream of becoming a professional guitarist; I play in two bands, perform as a solo classical/flamenco guitarist and teach guitar at a music academy here in Fresno. My name is Ricardo Guevara and my story is like many others who have come before me. Now, I hope I soon get to hear yours…

My name is Jose Yohmar Sanchez and I am a fourth year student at California State University Fresno. My short-term goal is to graduate from college with a BS in Construction Management. My long-term goals are to become a licensed engineer, practice my career in a foreign country, and create homes for low-income families.

I now find myself a part of the mentoring program. I have to say that I enjoy being a part of it. Being able to work with students brings me great joy and happiness. I know that I am making a difference in many of their lives.

Behind me you see Camp Nou (Soccer stadium located in Barcelona Spain). It is one of the locations I will visit in my life time...

Hi, my name is Maria Verduzco.

I am 20 years old. I am one of four children in my family. I was raised in Sanger, CA and graduated from Sanger High School in 2007. I am a junior at Fresno State. My major is Liberal Studies with a concentration on bilingual education. My goal is to become an elementary bilingual teacher. I love teaching and being able to help students with similar backgrounds as mine will be by far the most rewarding profession. I want to inspire my students to reach their highest potentials. I have been involved with education for some time. I have gain valuable classroom experience doing community service at different elementary schools, individual tutoring, after school programs, and Hoover Mentoring.

Outside the classroom you can probably find me cooking, shopping, watching football, or camping. I also enjoy visiting new places and hope to visit France.

Hi, my name is Martina Ledezma and I am 22 years old. I am the second child out of four siblings. I was born in Modesto, CA but I am from Delano, CA. I am a graduate from the prestigious Delano High. Currently, I am attending the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential program in CSU Fresno. I will be receiving my BS this Spring semester of 2010 in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Spanish. One of my goals is to finish the credential program by the end of Spring 2011. Secondly, I plan to then teach in a bilingual classroom. My dream is to help out children with ELL backgrounds as a teacher. My other goal is to involve parents of these students in my classrooms as much as possible in their children’s education; just like I was once helped by amazing teachers, I now wish to return the favor to the children that will become our future. Being part of this wonderful program, the College Mentoring program, has given me the opportunity to continue doing what I love, helping those within my community. To pass the time, I love spending time with my family and friends and enjoy going to school. My hobbies are dancing, swimming, and cooking, even though I am still learning. I love to try new fun and exciting things! In the future I plan to travel around the world and learn the interesting customs that other cultures offer. My first stop will be Rome, Italy.

Ciao, arrivederci a Roma! (bye, see you in Rome)

Good day to all. My name is Adi Cisneros and I am a first year college mentor at two wonderful schools, Mendota High School and Firebaugh High School. I was raised in the lovely town of Paso Robles, California where I attended Paso Robles High School (best years of my life). I have now accumulated four years of college experience as a Psychology major at Fresno State University; Go Bulldogs! I am proud to say that I’ll be graduating this coming May of 2010 and hold future plans to continue for higher education. My plans are to pursue a Masters in School Psychology and keep serving in the education field in hopes to inspire new generations of students in our area. On a more personal side, I come from a large family from Guerrero, Mexico but I have a small immediate family. My older sister and I were raised by a single mother who gave us endless support and love. I don’t have any children yet but I have two adorable nieces from my sister that entertain me and give me happiness. My hobbies are spending time with family, relaxing, and playing sports; tennis to be exact.

I am looking forward to a great year in getting to know my new mentees.

Hello Everyone,

My name is Adrian Gonzalez and I am currently completing my junior year at California State University. I am proud to say that I will soon attain my degree in Electrical Engineering and a minor in Construction Management. I am a mentor for Parlier and Reedley High Schools. By far, this has been the greatest job I have ever done. I truly feel and think that I am actually making a difference in students’ lives. It has always been a dream of mine to be able to help others the way I have been helped throughout my life. It is inspirational to finally be able to give back what others have given to me.

To me, it is a great honor to be the first in my family to have acquired a high school diploma. I am a proud gradate of Farmersville High School. I am the first in my family to pursue a post-secondary education. Apart from school I love playing soccer, go AMERICA. Since the Age of 17 I have been a coach for the Visalia Adult Soccer League. Also I love to swim during the summer with my friends and family.

Arriba las Agulas…

My name is Yadira Sanchez and I was born in Mexicali, B.C., Mexico. I am 22 years old and the oldest of four children. I graduated from Erma Duncan Polytechnical High School as a Valedectorian in 2004. I entered college in 2004 and began studying Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance. I will graduate in the Spring of 2009 with my BS in Business Administration and a Certificate in Organizational Management. I love doing homework and going to school!!!! As weird as it might sound, I find a lot of peace at school.

I am really excited of being part of this mentoring program and look forward to learning as much from you, as you will learn from us!!!!!

BACK TO TOP

Hello everyone, my name is Hmong Vang. I am currently 19 years old and the second youngest of nine children. I have five brothers and three sisters. I was born and raised in Fresno, California. I graduated from Duncan Polytechnical High School, Class of 08! I am currently attending Fresno City College and planning to transfer to Fresno State. I enjoy playing sports, such as, baseball, football, and volleyball, but I do not mind playing others. My favorite color is BLUE. I am majoring in Liberal Studies and planning to teach in the Elementary level. I love to work with students, and what is so great about teaching is the look on the kids face when they actually get something that is being taught. A place that I really want to visit is Mexico because I heard a lot of great things about it.

And to conclude: Nothing can stop you from what you want to do, the only thing that is stopping you is yourself.

My name is Janeth Vega and I was born in Sinaloa, Mexico. My passion is to dance yeehh!!! I came to the United States seven years ago. I graduated from Wooster High School in Reno Nevada. Considering that I didn’t know English and that I only had two years to pass my Proficiency examinations, getting my high school diploma was a real challenge. Thank God and my effort I not only got my high school diploma but I also got a $10,000.00 scholarship due to my high GPA. In August of 2008 I got my bachelors degree in psychology and a minor in Philosophy at the University of Reno Nevada.

During the last semester of my undergrad I was informed that I was the recipient of the Rehabilitation Services Administration scholarship, and the PROVOST scholarship on behalf of the rehabilitation counseling program. Once again a new challenge began, moving to a city I didn’t know where I knew nobody and a bad economic condition, it was a real challenge but I took it. Today I am in the second semester of my masters in Rehabilitation Counseling at Fresno State University. My goal is to finish my masters and after that to work at the Center for Independent Living. My family and my daughter are the most important thing for me; they are my motivation to continue.

Life is full of challenges but I think that success is only experienced by people who take them.

Hi my name is Yesenia Carrillo. I am the oldest of four sisters and the oldest grand-daughter, with the responsibility to pave the road to higher education for my siblings and cousins to follow. I was born in Visalia, California and a graduate of Golden West High School. I was actively involved on campus and continue to give back by volunteering when possible.

I’m currently attending California State University of Fresno, where I’m majoring in Accounting with a certificate in Pre-Law. I’m actively involved on campus; I serve on the University Student Union Board of Directors and a member of the Chicanos in Law Association. I plan to further my education by attending law school. My career goals include becoming an attorney in criminal and corporate law, and eventually owning my own law and accounting firm. Through these achievements my ultimate goal is to offer students an opportunity to experience their field of interest first hand and aid them in choosing a career they will enjoy. The Migrant College Mentoring Program has given me the opportunity to help students in my community, by providing additional resources for higher education.

During my free time I enjoy being with my family and friends as well as math-tutoring my cousins and neighborhood kids. I enjoy working, going to school, and learning new things and trying new activities. My hobbies include traveling, photography, and jogging. The world is full of amazing destinations, I plan to visit someday in the near future, but I’d like to begin by tracing my families roots back to Spain…