Why You Need to Let your Son/Daughter Go To College. Latino Parents Take Note.

In the U.S., first generation (foreign born) parents have difficulty sending their kids to college. All? Not all, but a good number. Is it because they don’t know the admissions and financial aid process? Maybe. Is it because of being overprotective (especially Latino dads)? Part of it. Or is it because they don’t know what to expect? Partly, yes. First generation parents more than likely have not visited a college campus, have never been to an orientation or heard directly from university admissions officials speak about the U.S. college experience, unless perhaps one of their teenagers has gone onto college.

What Do We Want To Know?
For Latino parents, like all parents, we want to know what this college is about. Sleeping quarters? Safety? Where are my kids going to eat? More than the day-to-day, will my kids get the care, attention and support they need to finish college? Is there student support services? Are there advocates for my kids? Will they succeed? This last point is a two-way street. The new college freshman can’t succeed in college without hardwork, effort and willingness to go the extra mile. They’ve proven that already so far. But will the administration/faculty/staff be supportive?

Why Latino Parents Need to Send Their Kids To College.
We all remember as kids translating for our parents at the school, the bank, and when paying the bills. Our kids are just as smart and motivated as the kid next door. And bilingual. And, like all parents, we think our kids are the most intelligent. We’ve raised them with family values, to be proud of their heritage, and to work hard. The fields were our first test for hardwork. We’ve taught our little ones the Spanish language (some by now have probably forgotten it). And, when possible we’ve taken them to visit our familias down south (if they still remain). College is where our kids put their 18-years of skills, values and dreams to the test. College will transform, empower, and expose our sons/daughters to the world and open endless opportunities.

What’s at Stake.
We are changing the country’s demographics. Before us, other emigrants like the Irish, Germans and Italians stepped up to the plate, took responsibility and made sacrifices to make this country great. Our communities, society and future depend on it. An educated Latino workforce will replace retirees in the federal and state system. They will rise through the ranks and fill Fortune 500 company CEO and board positions. As entrepreneurs they will innovate industry and bring new products and services to the marketplace. They will run and win local, district, state and national public offices and continue the legacies of all emigrants before them.

And, it will start with Latino parents taking their sons/daughters education seriously and sending them off to college.

David Molina is co-founder/CEO of BilingualHire. You can reach him on his cell at +1-503-708-4614 or email david@bilingualhireco.com.