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Hispanic Chamber hosts college prep conference
Everything you need to know about college preparation and more. That was the focus of Wednesday evening's College Preparation Conference sponsored by the Fort Stockton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
High School junior and senior class members were encouraged to attend and learn about, not only the reasons to continue their education, but how to do it.
Opening the program was Andres Madrid, a local young man who is about to begin his second year of college.
It was easy to see why he is pursuing a degree in public communications. It is truly his passion and he was there to get this group motivated and tell them how to go about applying for scholarships that are readily accessible to everyone.
"You don't grow up because you have to, you do it because you want to," said Madrid. "College makes you feel important and makes you want to succeed."
The conference's keynote speaker was Dr. Felix Morales. Morales and his family have recently returned home to practice medicine in the town in which he grew up.
He is a 1993 graduate of Fort Stockton High School and a 1998 graduate of Texas Tech University. He completed Medical School in 2003.
With a 40 percent drop out rate among Hispanic students, the highest in all of the United States, Morales is certainly trying to slow that number here in Fort Stockton. His story is one that is guaranteed to inspire students of all ages.
"To know me, is to know my parents. Their struggles are what I used to motivate me", said Morales.
He told of the three major points that keep him going.
"Be accountable, keep the faith and always look ahead."
Celestina Bascus, WRTTC Midland College Representative, was also on hand to give a testimonial of her walk to a college degree and how to go about applying for multiple scholarships.
The open discussion that followed between a panel of local college students and the attending high school juniors and seniors turned the tables. Prior to this point the speeches delivered had been purely motivational and informative, but not interactive.
It was clear that the comfort zone had now been opened up and these young people felt comfortable, among their peers, to ask question after question.
"How do you know when to apply for the scholarship? How many can you apply for? How much does it cost? Where you scared when you left home?"
Each and everyone question was pure and honest and certainly from the heart.
"We really think this conference was a success, said several of the students. We want you to do it again so we bring our friends who were unable to attend," echoed many of the students in attendance.
With that closing remark, Hispanic Chamber Member Olga Gonzalez announced that the Hispanic Chamber would pay the entry fee for the SAT or the ACT for the first 20 students who signed up. The SAT and the ACT are mandatory achievement tests used for college entry.
As of this publication there still are a few spots open. You are urged to contact Olga at Terrazzas Furniture, 432-336-8536 for more information.
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