Grijalva urges college education

College offers a world of opportunities that would never be possible without it, Yuma's congressman told an assembly of AVID and GEAR UP students at Yuma High School Tuesday.

"Some folks are told they have marginal choices in life," said  U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz. "When I was in school, the guidance counselor told us to go into a trade. But a college offers unlimited choices, and education is the great equalizer in life."

The programs - Advancement Via Individual Determination and Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs - are designed to help low-income and first-generation college-bound high school students not only get a diploma but succeed in college.

Grijalva, the 7th District U.S. representative, told several dozen students at Snider Auditorium he did not start out with any gifts in life.

Grijalva's parents immigrated to Tucson from Mexico under the Bracero program (contract laborers during World War II) and always emphasized the importance of education.

Although they did not speak English, they did know the difference between an A and a D. And when he brought home his report card, it had to look good, he recalled.

"The reason I got interested in college was because I wanted to see how far I could go. College was a personal challenge to see if I could have a life better than my parents, and with college you can overcome any barrier."  

Grijalva, who has a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Arizona, said he is not any brighter than students today. Getting accepted into college requires merely discipline and pride in oneself.

Yuma Union High School District AVID director Lupe Lomeli said she invited Grijalva to address students to learn from his example.

"He is a great role model for our young students, and ultimately what we want from our presenters is to inspire and motivate them to achieve their career goals and life dreams."

One of the AVID students who found encouragement in Grijalva's message was Tyler Dowden, 16, a Yuma High School junior. Tyler said that if students are dedicated enough to participate in AVID classes, it shows they are able to persevere in rigorous academics and proves they can get through college.

Tyler said he hopes to attend one of the state universities where he would like to major in psychology because they have reputations for strong programs in his chosen field. He added, Grijalva's address was very important but he wished Grijalva focused more on how the economy will impact schools.

"Of course with all the state budget cuts, I'm sort of worried about how to pay for college tuition. But with all the good programs out there like AVID and Upward Bound, I'm sure I'll be able to go to college."

Grijalva said his career in Congress demonstrated that education never ends. While some days he can learn something new, it always gives him the opportunity to turn around and teach someone else.

He said while this past year has been the first time in 14 years the federal government has increased the education budget, Arizona ranks near the bottom in per pupil education spending.

"We're very hopeful (President) Obama's budget will address education needs and we'll try to add to Pell Grants so we can provide more scholarships. In order for us to bring opportunity to the U.S., we have to invest in education, and AVID is a program that is a good example."