Shenekah Cayetano: The Road to College, Part 2
Editor’s note: The Community Coalition of Los Angeles runs a specialized program, South Central Youth Empowered through Action, which helps develop African-American and Latino youth to be the next generation of leaders to create positive change in our schools and their community of South L.A. Over Labor Day weekend, SCYEA took 30 youth on a Bay Area college tour where students visited major universities and met with local community leaders and social justice activists. In light of President Obama’s Tuesday speech on the state of American education, the NAM EthnoBlog caught up with SCYEA to share three blog entries by one of their youth, Shenekah Cayetano, reflecting on what the trip meant for her future. This is the second of those three entries. To learn more about SCYEA’s mission and action, and to read more youth perspectives, please visit http://blog.cocosouthla.org/
Where I Was and Where I Am Now
Shenekah Cayetano, September 7, 2009
I was not looking forward to going to Cal State San Francisco on Sunday. I heard it was unbelievingly cold and disgusting. I really didn’t know what to expect or how this tour would turn out.
When we reached and touched the campus, the first thing that came to sight and caught my attention were the murals. I love art and find myself interested in its history. My opinion about SFSU instantly changed while we waited for our tour guides, I expected more than what was told.
I felt a connection more because I knew who my tour guides were and felt more open to listen to what they said about the campus. The tour went well and everyone enjoyed each other. We got a chance to check out the dorms and pretty much saw all the buildings and different academic programs.
One of the questions I asked my tour guide was “what happens if you don’t have a high enough GPA to get in to Cal State, but everything else shows you’re eligible?” He told me that “you can get in with something called a personal essay,” which gives you a chance to be taken in to consideration and get accepted.
Before we left San Francisco we asked as many questions we could. San Francisco has really changed my opinion about going to college, and so far that’s where I’m interested in going.
Looking back at where I was and where I am now, I wouldn’t change anything. I grew up out here where there are opportunities and I’m thankful for it. I never thought I would get a chance to go out and visit college campuses. It shows me a lot and entices me to think beyond what I see and know. I came from a poor environment living in Belize, barely making it by, barely going to school.
While I was in the second grade I had to stay home and help my mother cook and clean while she worked. Most people say, “you know that’s not true,” but you can’t tell someone anything about themselves unless you’ve experienced it. I had to play the mother role as a child and school was not important to me.
I left Belize for America in 1999 to start a new life with my father. I have not gone back home to Belize but once since then. I thank SCYEA and my family for supporting me, and America for my opportunities. I wouldn’t change my position or my past for the world.
Where I Was and Where I Am Now
Shenekah Cayetano, September 7, 2009
I was not looking forward to going to Cal State San Francisco on Sunday. I heard it was unbelievingly cold and disgusting. I really didn’t know what to expect or how this tour would turn out.
When we reached and touched the campus, the first thing that came to sight and caught my attention were the murals. I love art and find myself interested in its history. My opinion about SFSU instantly changed while we waited for our tour guides, I expected more than what was told.
I felt a connection more because I knew who my tour guides were and felt more open to listen to what they said about the campus. The tour went well and everyone enjoyed each other. We got a chance to check out the dorms and pretty much saw all the buildings and different academic programs.
One of the questions I asked my tour guide was “what happens if you don’t have a high enough GPA to get in to Cal State, but everything else shows you’re eligible?” He told me that “you can get in with something called a personal essay,” which gives you a chance to be taken in to consideration and get accepted.
Before we left San Francisco we asked as many questions we could. San Francisco has really changed my opinion about going to college, and so far that’s where I’m interested in going.
Looking back at where I was and where I am now, I wouldn’t change anything. I grew up out here where there are opportunities and I’m thankful for it. I never thought I would get a chance to go out and visit college campuses. It shows me a lot and entices me to think beyond what I see and know. I came from a poor environment living in Belize, barely making it by, barely going to school.
While I was in the second grade I had to stay home and help my mother cook and clean while she worked. Most people say, “you know that’s not true,” but you can’t tell someone anything about themselves unless you’ve experienced it. I had to play the mother role as a child and school was not important to me.
I left Belize for America in 1999 to start a new life with my father. I have not gone back home to Belize but once since then. I thank SCYEA and my family for supporting me, and America for my opportunities. I wouldn’t change my position or my past for the world.
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