Better Together (A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month): Luis’s Story

In Truckee’s tight-knit Hispanic community, a shared sense of hardship, heritage and perseverance have become profound sources of pride and inspiration for many first- and second-generation Hispanics. As immigrants or the children of immigrants, many have faced countless cultural, economic and academic challenges in their pursuit of better opportunities. And in doing so, their resiliency has helped shape America’s historical landscape and future, offering one of diversity and hope.

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated Sept. 15-Oct. 15 every year, three young Hispanics and past recipients of Tahoe Donner Giving Fund scholarships share their stories, weaving a narrative that embodies the spirit of this year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” This is Luis’s story.

Through My Parents’ Compassion, I Learned How to Serve My Community.

Tú no te preocupes, nosotros te apoyamos mientras estés en la escuela.

“Don’t worry, we will support you while you are in school.” My parents always emphasized the importance of school and pushed us to go as far as possible, no matter the financial demand. My parents always demonstrated compassion for others and put those needs before their own, most of the time making sacrifices to do so. They showed my brother and me this compassion by moving our family to the United States so that we could have better opportunities.

My dad was the first to come in 2005 from Guadalajara, Mexico. He came directly to Truckee and found a job in construction. Ever since I can remember, my dad did everything in his power to ensure we were successful in our educational careers, which meant waking up earlier than usual to take us to school and working long days to provide us food, clothing and a place to live. My mom always picked us up from school, practices and recitals on time, even though she had no car and had to walk with us no matter the time or weather.

When I was first diagnosed with diabetes at age 10, she found jobs cleaning houses to help with my medical expenses. During high school, I had my first opportunity to practice the virtues of hard work and service to others my parents instilled in me by working at Aim High, a summer program for middle schoolers. Aim High was great because the teachers were college students and excellent role models for youth like me. Having gone through the program, I now emulate the mentorship I received.

I also took this selfless path when choosing my major in college. I originally wanted to become an immigration attorney because I wanted to help my family and other members of the community. It wasn’t until I took a class called “Miscarriages of Justice” that I realized thousands of people get wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit every day. I came to understand that some people were getting exonerated from jail because they knew how the system worked and could advocate for themselves. But there are still thousands of incarcerated Hispanics who don’t know the system or the language and cannot advocate for themselves. This pushed me to want to pursue criminal law to help these people. I hope one day to return to Truckee and offer legal services to those who need them, as well as provide resources like financial aid, community events and mentorship to the youth.

LUIS
2020 IMPACT scholar