Monica Vera
Bowie High School Class of 2007
Bowie, Maryland

A quote that I will live by from now on is this: "Tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are." These words come to mind as I remember the three-day, two-night program I attended--the second Annual Greater Washington D.C. Hispanic Youth Symposium. I've come to realize that my decision to attend, despite a recent back injury, was definitely worth it.

At the Hispanic Youth Symposium, we were given opportunities that I will never forget. The program gave us, the students, an opportunity to build leadership skills, to learn about other Hispanics' culture, and establish friendships with other teenagers like myself, who are Hispanic, are serious about excelling in their academic career, and see themselves attending a college or university in the future. We had the opportunity to hear from the Justice Department officials about bomb squad jobs and from hospital personnel about opportunities in health care. In addition, students competed for scholarship money at a talent show. There were exciting workshops on Hispanic heroes and on college costs, which gave us abundant information regarding the college application process. Many families are oblivious at the fact that there are scholarships, grants, merit-aids, and other federal financial aid available to students. For example, many students lose hundreds of dollars due to the lack of knowledge on how to fill out FAFSA, Free Application for Federal Student Aid, correctly.

Every staff member, from speakers and representatives to counselors and RA's, was a volunteer. By leaving their daily lives to show how much they cared about the Latino community and about our future; through their participation, they really touched everyone. As Fred Soto, a Hispanic motivational speaker, said, "The opportunity that you don't take, someone else will." He also expressed how imperative it is to network, and how the people you meet will help you in the future.

I could go on about the Hispanic Youth Symposium, but I want to emphasize to the Latinos, how important it is for us to change the negative stereotypes of Hispanics. Hit the books and excel in your high school career because that is what will define your future. Attending the Hispanic Youth Symposium felt like being a part of a whole new family; this made it easier to make friends, to network, and to bond in late-night dorm gatherings.

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