"Always follow your passion. Who follow their heart do great work."
I am a true believer that sharing our stories deeply transforms us, changes the narrative of our community, and heals the world. The #Shareyourstory series is dedicated in highlighting diverse stories of Latinx individuals making a significant difference in their community. To kick off the new year, I am highlighting my colleague, Anthony Villarreal. Anthony was a former high school counselor in Portland, Oregon and is currently pursuing his doctorate degree at San Diego State University.
Preferred Pronoun: He
Work Title:Research Assistant at San Diego State University.
Favorite Quote: "Real education should consist of drawing the goodness and the best out of our own students. What better books can there be than the book of humanity?"-Cesar Chavez.
Who is Anthony?My parents migrated from Nayarit to the United States to seek a better life for their future family. I was born in Compton, California and have two younger sisters. I grew up in Woodburn Oregon. My parents worked really hard to earn a decent living. They constantly reminded me that an education was the key to success.
Did you attend college? If so, how did that impact your life? I received my BA from Portland State University in Communications. I also received my Masters in School Counseling from Lewis & Clark College. Currently, I’m a graduate student in the PhD Joint program at San Diego State University & Claremont Graduate University. Going to college inspired me to help students who had a similar upbringing like me go to college. I wanted to teach educators how to help Latinos go to college. I help students maintain their sense of identity and highlight their unique strengths that contribute to their ultimate success in college.
What has been the biggest challenge(s) you have had to overcome? My biggest challenge was finding out what I wanted to do as a career. I found my career by following my passion. I got involved in student organizations like M.E.Ch.A in college, I helped coordinate the Edúcate high school conference at PSU, taught workshops regarding college access at the Cesar Chavez conference at WOU, and was nominated to be a keynote speaker at graduations ceremonies. Through my involvement I found my passion in helping Latino students go to college.
What is the one thing you are working on daily? I work daily on my research. My research is focused on promoting educational outcomes for students in “new Latino destinations” or states that once had single digit representation, but are experiencing rapidly growing Latino populations
One piece of advice you wish someone would have given you during college or professional career? To always follow your passion. Those who follow their heart do great work.
What is your favorite kind of coffee? My favorite drink is a Mexican Hot Chocolate from the Beanery in Salem, Oregon.
En Solidaridad,
Araceli
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