Latino in America: Laura Valdez

We received some very positive feedback from our most recent publication of La Voz, titled Latino in America. Readers were pleased with the mix of news and personal stories. In an effort to share more about our members and their individual Latino in America story, we will be featuring a LKC member periodically with their own Latino in America story.

Our first feature: Laura Valdez.
Laura is a long-time LKC member who serves as the New Student Orientation Director at the University of New Mexico. A well respected member of the LKC and a mentor for many, Laura shares her story with us here.

Can you share with us one of your more vivid memories of growing up Latino in America?
I grew up in a predominately Latino environment where only the teachers and priest were not Latino. I remember being really nervous about speaking English to non-Spanish speaking adults up until I went to college. I was afraid of saying the wrong word or phrase. I also remember learning about the pilgrims in 2nd or 3rd grade and wondering what people in New Mexico were doing during the first Thanksgiving. It was the beginning of my realization that Latinos in the American Southwest were largely ignored in history.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing Latinos in college today?
Finances. It's tough to qualify for financial aid and Latino families are struggling with unemployment and high costs of living, so students are juggling several jobs to pay for school. Overall, it's affecting their grades and college experience. I can think of dozens of students, some within my own family, with stories relating to the lack of money for college.

Do you think there are any challenges to being Latino in the higher education setting?
Yes, there are several issues for Latino students and professionals. Latinos are attending community colleges but not transferring to 4-year institutions which I'll speak to in simplistic terms. There is the issue of identity within a Predominately White Institution (PWI), and issues of access. Latino professionals in higher education are tapped to be in numerous campus committees, mentor students and new professionals, and be involved in the community on top of performing in the regular job. Being a Latino professional means that I don't just concentrate on my duties as described on my job description; I feel obligated to work on issues of access and equity. In some respect, I have to forget about the challenges so that I can psychologically prepare myself for success and beat the odds.

Do you find that Latino professionals are well-connected with each other on your campus?
I feel connected with other Latino staff members. Despite our politics and different backgrounds, I know that I can rely upon my fellow Latino professionals to advocate for Latino students. I feel that we are all really good at keeping our focus on the students. We aren't as good about encouraging each other in our career pursuits, but maybe it's because we're so overwhelmed by our daily tasks that we can only take on so much. I don't feel as connected with faculty, since we don't naturally cross paths on campus.

If you could leave us with one message what would it be?
Knowledge is power, so get an education. Plus, the Latino/o Knowledge community gives me energy that sustains me during rough periods.

Thank you Laura for sharing your story! Please check out our Pre-Conference Special Edition of La Voz. Featured will be LKC sponsored events and programs, and a special feature from Laura about attending the conference for your first time.