Voices of Hispanic and Latina/o secondary students in northern Colorado : poetic counterstories (original) (raw)

Above all, thanks to God for the continued ability to dig deep, to go the distance, to give me strength of character to live for His glory, and for placing supportive people along my path in the Ph.D. journey. To family, friends, support group members, and mentors who selflessly gave in different ways, so that this work could be completed. I especially thank my family who took on extra childcare duties to give me more time for my comprehensive exams in Fall 2010, to edit version of my chapters, and to attend my seminar/support group. We all sacrificed time together, so I could work from one deadline to the next to make this dream a reality. And, last but not least, to the students who participated in my pilot studies, archival data and focus groups. May this work inspire change to better support each of you to reaching a high school diploma and beyond! ¡Mil Gracias a todos! Thanks to everyone! v DEDICATION I began the Ph.D. journey when my girls were one and three years old. I was determined to show them that girls can do anything! My partner Todd, who has been my best friend since I was 13 years old, committed to this dream with me. He quickly learned to care for the girls and to trust himself in sticky situations while I went to school at night and studied on weekends. I am forever grateful to him for his generosity and his ability to provide for our girls. They have genuine and connected relationships because of the many hours when they relied on each other. To my oldest daughter, Grace Isabel, who encourages me through her deep thinking and sincerity. Her poem "Working" written when she was six years old inspired me to finish this dissertation, and to find work that fills me up. To my youngest daughter, Madilynn Lee, who reminds me to be sensitive and thoughtful, and that life, work, and hence this dissertation, are incomplete without authenticity and creativity. To both our girls I cite the final words of a poem written by Lydia Cortés (2003) as she remembers her schooling and the words of her father, "…tú puedes hacer lo que quieres. Yo te apoyo en todo. Siempre" (p. 39) translated by her sister, Sonia Nieto, "You can do whatever you want. I will support you in everything. Always" (p. 38). May this work remind you that girls can do anything, that while Latinas may have more barriers to hurdle, I will be here to support you as you move forward in achieving your dreams-siempre. Always.