High School Graduation

I was lucky enough be invited by Yokira to her high school graduation, where her and some other of my youth were graduating from high school. As traditional Dominican, the graduation was scheduled for 8, but did not start until 10. All of the graduates walked in the small cafeteria at the new high school in cap and gowns, some with tears in their eyes. Their parents and godparents lined the sides of room leaning to get a perfect view of their graduate taking their seats. The primary reason that students did not graduate from my town were because they had hurt their foot or leg and could not walk to school – sometimes a two hour walk on a dirt road, in the hot sun, up and down hills- and as a result could not finish their coursework. Some students drop out because they get pregnant or married, others because they start to work on their parent’s farm and no longer find a need for education besides being a farm hand. Yokira got up first to say a prayer. Some of my other girls spoke or were honored for their outstanding achievement. Even though it is a public school, a Catholic priest gave a sermon and the Eucharist as the ceremony started. There were also Christian songs sung throughout the service. Alondra, one of my favorite girls was honored for her academic achievements and I was so proud. Then, Yoki got up and was honored for being the valedictorian for outstanding academic achievement all four years. She gave a beautiful speech and I was crying a little bit, so proud of everything she has done.

Throughout my two years working and living in Tierra Prieta, I have become very close to her family, I often had long walks and talks with her mothers, led Deportes Para la Vida with her sister, taught her and her sister private English classes, and spent so much time scheming and working with Yokira. Knowing her family that I know, I am not at all surprised how she has succeeded. But her life has not always been easy, and still has many barriers to overcome that most of us don’t even have to consider. Her father was an alcohol and abusive to her mother, left his family when her mother and four children were still young. Her mother then had to move in with her mother and have all 5 members of the family live in one room with no floor until she was able to build her own house next store. Since then her mother is an inspiration to us all. She is going back to school with her eldest daughter to be a teacher and build a better life for herself and her family. To put herself through college and to put food on the table she runs a hair salon that women for miles around rave about. She is a health promoter and extremely motivated, incredible woman. Yokira has now for the last couple of years been living and eating with her aunt next-door so that her aunt can help with the financial burden of college and her food. To pay for her keep she does laundry, cooks, fetches water, and helps sell from her aunts clothing store. When they say it takes a village to raise a child, it sure is true and this town, as done an amazing job. I am so proud of Yokira and all of my graduates! I know they will do amazing things in the future and I can’t wait to see what this next generation will bring for Tierra Prieta.