Hispanic Heritage Month

I hope this post serves as a reminder to many of you. This time of the year often gets over look by those in the hegemonic group, from September 15-October 15 it is National Hispanic Heritage Month. A time to stop, think and celebrate the various cultures that are present within our Hispanic and Latino communities.

Read more about Hispanic Heritage Month here: National Hispanic Heritage Month

Living the Dream!
Mr. Anibal Soler, Jr.
www.anibalsoler.com

Latino Leadership Development Program

Today, I had the privilege and opportunity to present to a room of thirty highly motivated Latina/o professionals. These individuals were participating in the Latino Leadership Development Program which is organized and hosted by United Way of Rochester. My presentation was entitled, "The State of Latino Students and Education In Our Community."

My presentation focused entirely on what I see supported by data and research, occurring in urban public schools. I spoke about the student cultural experience or lack thereof for Latina/o students in schools. I also spoke and displayed some data on our overall underachievement in K-12 schooling, which supported and clearly stated we are the worst of the big three demographic groups with the highest percentage of failure. I finished the presentation with a variety of various reccomendations that I believe could help alleviate and address the issue of inadequate success by Latina/o's.

The presentation, as all of them do, went quickly. We had a great panel conversation that followed my piece. A couple of days later I receieved various emails and facebook messages, letting me know how much they enjoyed what I had to say along with my overall presence. It is definitely great to hear these type of things, especially when you believe in so much in what your doing!

As I told the participants listening to my presentation, "Make Your Mark!"

Living the Dream!!
Mr. Soler

Elite Success

Today I had the opportunity to speak to various college level students at the University of Rochester. My message was simple, leave your mark!! The contents of my message also spoke of the importance that minority students make it out of a system that has been setup without our views or perspective. I also spoke of the lack of representation of minority students on various campuses and in particular the University of Rochester. My message also spoke about navigating the college scene and using various college resources to ensure elite success. The event concluded with a Q&A session which I enjoyed the most because you get to see and hear what concerns are most important to the students.

The event was hosted by La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc.

Living the Dream!
Mr. Soler

Shhh... Class is in Session

The start of another great school year is underway! I am entering my third year as a high school administrator (Academy Director) and I have begun to see items that I started three years ago start to fall in place. The staff is at an all time high in terms of morale and the building has had no change in administration or leadership. The first week has gone very smoothly and looks like it will be an even greater year!

I am looking forward to seeing what initiatives and programs the new Superintendent will put in place during his first full year at the helm. I am sure he is just as excited with the opening of school. I will keep you all posted as the year goes along.

Living the Dream!
Mr. Soler