By: Voces Staff
Carmen Danna was born in San Antonio, TX and grew up in Devine, TX. As a former elementary school teacher she experienced different forms of discrimination throughout her life. She reflects on her experience growing up in a small town and the importance the role of education had on her. Danna discusses the many disparities she experienced in the education system and why she still believes that education plays a vital role in our lives.
During Danna's high school years in Devine, TX, most of her teachers thought she wouldn't amount to much, suggesting that she would be best suited to be a secretary. "They never talked to me about going to college." However, Danna's parents continued to encourage her to further her education and attend a community college. When deciding to go to college, Danna's decision to attend Southwest Texas Junior College stemmed from getting a $500 scholarship. If she hadn't gotten that scholarship she would not have been able to afford to go to college. Danna states that college was expensive and that financial options were never presented to her during high school. Regarding the South Texas Border Intiative Danna goes on to say that as Hispanics we need to learn to be proud of who we are and our culture and to not let anyone take that away from us, especially educational opporuntities.