Today, I had the honor of meeting Professor Francisco Jiménez . He is the author of several autobiographical works detailing his experiences as an immigrant child of migrant farm workers in California in the 1950s. Jiménez , inspired and helped by teachers, attended Santa Clara University despite crushing poverty, went on to attain graduate degrees at other prestigious universities, and today is a teacher at SCU.
His works inspires kids to believe that change is possible in their lives if they work hard and are willing to reach for futures that sometimes seem impossible.
I've met other authors before, but it was inspirational to see Jiménez speak. He was addressing a small class of English language learners from all over the world who are attending San Jose City College. The students had very limited English skills, but he made them feel comfortable and encouraged them to ask questions. He was gentle and inspiring, and very gracious. He expressed over and over again how much he owed to his teachers, and thanked our little group from the OC for doing what we do.
It was worth the negativity of the annoying people at Ethics Camp this year just to have today's experience. (They don't know where we disappeared to for an hour and a half today! Ditching is fun.)
Jiménez's inscription in my copy of The Circuit, which he was kind enough to sign:
"To Nicole -
With respect, gratitude and admiration."
How cool is that?
1 comment:
Q: How cool is that?
A: Cooler than being admired by Jackie Collins?
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