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JULY 2004


An Immigrant
Finds Success at Seward Park High School

by Digna Sanchez

Believe me when I say, that it seems both like yesterday and a lifetime in the past. I’m sure the graduates will think it was almost pre-historic times, but it was actually a very exciting time—the Sixties. Forty years ago, in June of 1964 I became the first in my family to graduate from high school and four years later in 1968, the first to graduate from college. My parents were very proud; as I am sure your parents and families are today.

My family had come to New York City in 1950. In 1949 my father left Puerto Rico seeking a better future for our family and came to work as a migrant farm worker in Southern New Jersey. He saved his money and in 1950 sent for my mother, my brother and me.

We settled in the Lower East Side where millions of immigrants had settled before and to this day continue to do so. I know that many of you can identify with my experience. It isn’t easy to arrive in a new place, especially if you speak another language. There was no welcome party and unfortunately we encountered prejudice. In spite of all these challenges I remember my years at Seward as being critical to shaping the person I am today. The Sixties were a time of major social upheaval. For the first time the war was televised and the sight of the body bags spurred the anti-war movement to mobilize millions including a current Presidential candidate; and in November 1963, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was assassinated. That day is clearly imprinted on my mind, as I am sure 9/11 is on yours. I remember how frightened I was because people said this meant another World War and that probably the Russians were behind it. At sixteen years of age the idea of another World War, after the atomic bomb had been dropped on Japan, was very frightening. I imagine that is how all of you felt after 9/11. You are coming of age in an extremely complex time.

They say New York is a world city. The cultural, ethnic and racial diversity that is New York City is very much at the heart of its unique spirit and rhythm. That was what I cherished most about my growing up on the Lower East Side and attending Seward Park High School.

Now you go off in different directions: college, technical training, jobs. You must make the most of what you have learned while at Seward and you must strive to be the best.

Your generation has been confronted by the temptations of drugs and gangs as was mine. Think before you do anything that you have heard could be damaging. Do your part to bring about a better world. That is the only way that it will happen. As Mahatma Ghandi said—You must be the change you wish to see in the world.#

Digna Sanchez is President, Learning Leaders.

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