Potential and promise

As a freshman, Olga Mendoza watched several Latinx students receive scholarships from the Gallery of Stars, presented during the annual Latino Youth Summit, held at Central Community College in Columbus.

At the time, she thought, "I can't wait until I'm a senior. I want that scholarship."

Last Wednesday, as Mendoza and other Summerland students who attended the summit gathered for a photo, the Summerland senior received a surprise.

Jane Shanahan, with the Jesusita and Santos Courage and Fortitude Fund, presented Mendoza with the leadership award.

"I can't believe it," Mendoza said.

The 2022 Latino Youth Summit drew 540 high school students, offering inspiration for a positive future, whether that path leads them to college or the workforce.

Six Summerland students - Adrian Mejia, Mendoza, Julie Olivan, Karolina Soto, Alex Thiele and Jesse Thiele - attended the event with English language learner instructor Connie Cronin and Spanish educator Leenda Thiele.

The gathering, from Leenda Thiele's viewpoint, celebrates culture.

Students agreed.

"It gaves us perspective from two different points of the world," Soto said. "We have different culture, but we live aorund other people so we can see two different sides of anything."

For Mendoza, the summit shows Latinx students to stand out and be themselves.

"Through the summit, it really shows us our heritage and to be proud of who we are," she said.

This year's event featured Dr. Cristobal Salinas, a Schuyler Central graduate who is an associate professor at Florida Atlantic University.

Salinas focused on how his "latinidad" impacts him in differenct spaces.

The professor said every Latino he has spoken to, regardless, of status, has expressed they wish they would have gotten a higher education.

Colleges and universities, as well as career centers, sent representatives to meet with students, providing helpful tips to pursue a higher education.

Cronin said, "It's like a big school college fair. We go from building to building. It feels like a college experience."

Olivan said she learned a lot from the event.

"I got good advice about college and opportunities available," she said.

While the focus of the summit has remained the same through the years, Cronin said the format has adapted. The first summit she took students to was held in Kearney.

"It was a cloth napkin, sit-down breakfast," she said. "It's a similar format now. Kids are able to look at colleges and opportunities as Latinx and they have the chance to see other students."

Financial aid information was also provided, according to Leenda Thiele.

For Olivan, that information is worth its weight.

"A lot of Latinx students don't have support or money to go to college," she said.

Cronin said finding financial aid for post-secondary education can be difficult. Undocumented students have limited resources, especially for federal funding.

"I know one student who worked his 'tin can' off. He found one scholarship, from New York, for $150. He got it," Cronin said.

The student attended Northeast Community College and eventually, transferred to Wayne State College, where he received a degree in construction management.

"He worked hard to pay his way through college," Cronin said. "That's a success story."

Another point Salinas covered is that while some systems weren't created for Latinx students, they belong here and Nebraska is home.

Students said they recognize differences between them and their Caucasian classmates. What's one thing about Hispanic culture they wish their classmates knew or understood?

Hard work and lack of education are two items that come to mind.

Olivan said everyone who comes to America isn't "here to be lazy."

"They come here to work, to do what their ancesors did. They want to work hard," she said.

Mendoza said many Hispanic parents don't have an education.

"Most came here and got put to work," she said.

Olivan added, "They didn't have a childhood. Our parents can't relate (to us) because they didn't have the same experience."

According to Alex and Jesse Thiele, people don't see their Puerto Rican heritage.

"They think of our Clearwater family and we're treated 100% like we are Caucasian," Jesse said.

Salinas addressed loneliness felt by many Latinx.

According to a study by Cigna, more than half - 58% - of U.S. adults experience loneliness.That rate grows to 75% for Hispanic/Latinx adults.

Language may be a barrier causing isolation.

In her English language learner's classroom, Cronin works with anyone whose first language in the home isn't English. She works with seven students.

This year, she is learning K'iche' - or Quiche', a Mayan language of Guatemala. It is the second most widely-spoken language in Guatemala, Cronin said.

"There are so many different languages and traditions and cultures," she said. "It's tricky."

Another point Salinas stressed is to surround yourself with people who care about you and choose what's good for you.

Soto said that's one of the benefits of attending the summit.

"It's so nice to walk into a room that's so full of positive energy, and seeing somebody else who looks like you and talks like you and relates to you. It's great," she said.

Four of the six students who attended the summit will be first-generation college students. They believe their families provide support for higher education, even if their parents do not have a formal education.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, Latinos will comprise 30% of the PK - 12 school population by 2030.

Olivan said many Latinx parents sacrificed to provide a better life for their families.

"When you get a diploma, you realize it's (the sacrifice) all worth it," she said.

Mendoza credits her parents with providing support.

"Even though they're our role models, people don't see it like that. We see them as brave people leaving their lives behind, thinking of their future children," she said. "We look at them as the greatest people in our lives."