Blanca's story begins with her life in regards to her mother and the importance of family. She moves a few times and talks of the disconnect from her family and community. Blanca discussed the advantage of English, providing a much smoother path for her to become Valedictorian and make her way to college. We discuss the cultural implications of identifying as Latino, and how this has affected her growing up as an intelligent student, a member of her community, and her identity as it is intertwined with her mother.
Rosa Camarena is a sophomore at the University of Oregon majoring in Spanish and possibly Latino Studies. When Rosa was just one year old her parents immigrated with her to Oregon. Rosa has struggled with language and stereotypes as she has moved through the school system. She chose her major because she wants to give back to her community in Woodburn and raise a family there.