Michele Harmon
Midland College had an event in September titled The Latina Women’s Conference. I attended and listened to a panel of ten women discussing how they could get bachelor’s and master’s degrees, get great jobs, and start their businesses against what many would consider difficult obstacles.
Those obstacles included growing up without enough to eat, consistent electricity, and clean water. Many were first-generation Americans, and English was not their first language. However, the common bond was perseverance, hard work, and someone to mentor and show them the way.
Graduating from high school, much less college, can be difficult when you may need to help put food on the table for your family. Attending college and navigating the maze of tests and applications is scary and intimidating.
It struck me that those ladies’ success stories were not different than that of many Americans who came before them and those of many later newcomers. Those successful people have several things in common. As I have said, they are hard workers, but they begin with the end in mind. Nothing stopped those ladies, even if their spouses were not supportive; they had no college money, they had children they had to care for, and so much more. Two women talked about taking their children to their evening classes at UTPB to finish their undergraduate and graduate degrees. The ladies led by example, and their children have all followed them and learned the importance of education. Those ladies are now examples for their children and grandchildren.
If you are new to the Permian Basin and live in Midland, your children who graduate from high school can often attend their first two years at Midland College for little expense. Students in the Permian can also participate in one of the Early College High Schools and earn their high school diploma and associate degree simultaneously.
The possibilities are endless to better educate our population by sharing the information and those who can should step up to mentor just one person.
A bible verse came to me from Matthew. Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.