Two sweethearts that will inspire you

Friday I told you about students who did things that I felt sad about. Today I want to tell you about two little gals that are absolute sweethearts. They are outstanding young people who warm my heart.


I am a member of the Women's Improvement Club in our city. We do all sorts of Community service but one of our favorite activities is raising money to give out in scholarships to each of our 7 high schools every year. This year we gave out a total of $9,000 . It was my honor and privilege to be on the scholarship interviewing committee. We rated the applicants on academic accomplishment, community service, extra curricular activities and financial need. We could only pick two applicants from each school. It was a very difficult decision. However, I want to tell you about two of the student's we selected as winners that really stand out. What an example they set for others.





This is Anjelica. I had Anjelica three years ago, during her sophomore year, in my Child Dev. class. She was an excellent student. Since that time, she has applied herself 100 percent to her studies. During the last two years she has taken college classes along with her high school classes. This week she not only graduates from high school but from our local Community College as well, with AA and AS degrees. Next year she will enter a university as a 3rd year student. What an accomplishment!

This is Esmeralda. Looking at her sweet smile and bubbly personality you would never guess the hardships that this little gal has had to overcome. I have never met anyone who has gone through so much and is still so optimistic.


Esmeralda was abused by her stepfather for years before she told her mother. When she did tell, her mother chose to stay with her husband so Esmeralda had to leave. She was sent back and forth to Mexico and has ended up in the foster care program. When she reported the former abuse, her step father was put in jail. Some of the family blame her for this which makes her very sad.


She turns 18 soon and will be out of the foster care system. She is not sure what she will do then. She just got a full time job at a local store. (She could not even get off to attend her graduation activities). She does not have a car and must take a bus to and from work which is difficult in our area since we do not have a good bus or rapid transit system.


When she told us her life story it brought tears to her eyes and ours, but she never lost her sweet smile. When she told me today about getting her new job, she was so excited even though she has to miss her graduation activities and has a hard time with transportation. She plans to attend Community College next year and then save money for the university. She wants to become a social worker to help other kids like her.


These girls are both great students and wonderful people. I am so proud of them. I wish them both success and the best in life. They bring a smile to my face and to my heart. Don't their stories inspire you? They do me.