First of all I want to thank God for such an amazing opportunity last Tuesday July 7th. I was hired to be the keynote speaker at a dinner event for the Juntos Program.
Juntos means "together" in Spanish. A growing number of school districts and universities are working together to encourage Latino teens and their parents to get into college and better their future. This is such a great program, they even have workshops for the parents and their kids.
Three years ago I met Jennifer Oppenlander at the Oregon State Fair where I sign and sell my books along with other Oregon authors. Jennifer is a coordinator for outreach programs at Oregon State University. She was in the process of starting the Juntos Program in Madras, but it wasn't up and running yet. She asked me if I was willing to come speak to the community, focusing on the poor life I once lived and what inspired me to get a college education ... also, my software engineer career, and my author adventures. At the state fair a lot of people ask me to come speak but only a few email me and set something up.
After three years went by, Jennifer emailed me. It was quite a surprise because I didn't expect it and I vaguely remembered her. At the state fair I speak to hundreds of people. She refreshed my memory and we scheduled a keynote in Madras, Oregon, at Central Oregon Community College.
When that day finally arrived, my wife and I drove through Woodburn, Molalla, Sandy, and on the way to Madras we passed Government Camp, Warm Springs, and much more I had never seen. This is another reason I love the northwest, I mean, the mountains, like Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Three Finger Jack, etc. are amazing! As we were driving down some rocky-mountain country on Highway 26, we could actually see all three mountains from a distance.
We arrived there early -- about 1:00 p.m. and toured the city of Madras, the city park is amazing and very clean. The Quality Inn was very nice and the people were very friendly. The event dinner was set for 5:30 p.m. It was catered by Rios -- one of the finest restaurants there. My speaking engagement was set for 6:00 p.m. immediately following the authentic, delicious, Mexican dinner.
I spoke about where my parents were raised and their difficult times in the south part of Texas, which is Hidalgo County -- one of the poorest counties in the U.S. Then I explained where I was raised, which was Dimmitt, Texas, and our move to Oregon. I was impressed with the students and parents on how well they were engaged while I spoke. Of course I included a few jokes.
I continued with my career as a professional football player and why I decided to end that adventure after two years. Then I followed with my information technology career. There were students, like Salma, who had a 4.0 GPA this year. I'm really hoping these students take I.T. as a consideration in their future -- so much opportunity for these kids.
I finished my presentation talking about what inspired me to become an author and a little bit about the four books I've written. And then finally I closed with questions from the audience. This I felt was one of my favorite parts of my presentation, because I felt that I was helping each individual in what they were interested in the most.
Salma's Mom, Me, and Salma Who Holds a 4.0 GPA.
Several parents and students came to talk to me afterward. I was so touched by the people and their eagerness to learn and reach out for a better future. I gave them a discount on the books they purchased from me. One lady said she was going to ask her husband to get into college to some day be a P.C. Tech. That would be so awesome if he did that.
Thank you Jennifer for having my wife and I , and for coordinating such a wonderful event that will benefit many youths ... and for the top-of-the-line hospitality. Thank you also to all of your helpers that made this possible. I will never forget this amazing experience and if I inspired one or two students to get an education, I've accomplished helping someone in the Madras community -- which was my objective.