What is the Motivational Day Conference?
In its 2nd year, the Motivational Day Conference, was started by Ramona Sanchez (JUSD retired teacher), alongside Judge Hernandez, Sergio DeLeon (Nueva Vista HS), Samantha Flores (TOSA), Tony Solis (RHS), and Itzel Fuentes (PHS). The conference revolves around a college student panel, career professionals, and JUSD alumni to illuminate the issues that Chicano and first-generation college students face and to show a pathway of encouragement and resources.
Why did I attend?
As a junior in high school and wanting to become a high school graduate and first-generation college student, I encourage anyone and everyone who is a high school student who may be wondering about their future or are having doubts about what to do, to attend next year's annual Motivational Day Conference. This event is based on providing motivation and inspiration, and connecting students with resources to help them achieve their goals for the future. This event also gives students insight into different perspectives from individuals, especially in our Chicano-based community, whether they are adults already in their professional lives or young college students who are still deciding their future.
This event aims to make students think of the possibility to go beyond high school and be involved in their communities. From my experience, this was my second year attending this event and I was even more inspired and connected with the many participants that spoke. The mission to continue to motivate students to keep investing in their future and decision-making came loud and clear. It was truly inspiring and it makes me grateful to have this support in my community. That’s how I describe it, as a support for many Chicano and any other students who want to succeed.
Opening Remarks - PHS Student Eli Zapata
Our very own student, Eli Zapata, a sophomore, opened up with a speech about help outreach and where to find it. Knowing how to find resources is critical in order to succeed and she reminded me that in order to succeed, I must reach out for those resources available.
Keynote Speaker - Sabrina Gonzalez
Miss Gonzalez shared her life experiences as a Latina who was finding her way in life. She shared some of her struggles and gave advice on how to handle the struggles. She spoke of how her accomplishments in life have happened because she decided to stay true to who she was and not follow the crowd. Doing this gave her more opportunities in life. By following her values of family and community, and staying true to her own culture, has allowed her to be where she is today. As a Chicana myself, this resonated with me and it inspires me to keep pursuing my dreams while staying connected to my family and cultural values.
She's a great example for many young Chicano students male or female, because we never really see people who look like us speak this way, or talk about the accomplishments that she's had.
One thing that stood out to me the most about what Miss Gonzalez said was, “ The grass is not greener on the other side, but it is greener where we water it.”
Her saying that made me think about how a lot of us tend to compare ourselves with others and complain about what we don’t have, rather than accept what we have, who we are, think about who we want to be, and how to better ourselves. Around the end of her speech, she went in depth on how we should own our authenticity, and take risks in any new challenges or opportunities that come our way. Even if it doesn’t work out because we can always try again, try something different, and there is nothing wrong with that.
College Student Panel
The college student panel consisting of nine students, mostly from UCR and RCC shared their stories and experiences as college students and being first-generation college students. This was very helpful to me because it provided relief from the stress of thinking about what I should do in college or what colleges to go to since they have also been in similar situations. Their personal journeys to their educational college pathway included the obstacles they have faced, and yet, they continue with their goals. Their personal stories connected with me, some about family support or no support, some about their own cultural differences as a struggle and as a celebration and appreciation. No matter what we think a struggle might be, the message was that no one journey is the same. It doesn’t have to look the same for everyone, and this is a good perspective to have on your future. Don’t stress where you start in college, it’s the end that matters.
This made me rethink about the great pressure I put on myself because I will be a first-generation student, who wants to make my parents proud and create a future not just for me, but for them who didn’t have the same opportunities. If I don’t get into “this or that” college, I know I will get in somewhere and begin my college life.
Professional Panel
The professional panel had six adults who spoke on their profession and their personal stories. What was inspiring was that they not only explained what their profession was, but told us how they contribute to our community. What was so interesting about this panel was that some did not know what they wanted to do in high school or even in college. The simple fact of experiencing college courses started to open doors to options. Also being in a college setting where there are many opportunities to join groups, was a good piece of advice.
I loved hearing them say that waiting to choose a career allowed them to take on a career or a job, not only to get paid, but to give back to their communities. One story that stood out to me was Mr. Solis’s story. He shared his struggles about where he came from. He decided that instead of hiding what he went through, he used it as a tool to lead him to do better things for himself. Shame is something that can hold you back if you allow it. He said we should not be ashamed of our experiences or struggles.
He describes struggle as something that can be a “beautiful struggle not only to change our lives but the lives of others.” Hearing that makes me think of my own struggles and the many that high schoolers are facing today.
I am very grateful to have attended this event again. My hope is that more students from PHS and even middle school attend the next one because it can really impact their lives and their views on their future. This event provided support for many Chicanos and Hispanic students currently facing issues on immigration and educational rights. This event keeps connecting us as a community, and keeps providing a helpful resource in the Jurupa Unified and Inland Empire.
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