Imagine being born in 1990 to two working-class parents who are not from America and don’t speak or understand English. This was the reality for my brother, Mr. Gonzalez, when he was younger. Despite all the challenges he faced, Mr. Gonzalez became the first person in our family to attend college, earn a degree, and become a professor.
Mr. Gonzalez teaches Ethnic Studies and Chicano Studies. Ethnic Studies focuses on the histories, cultures, and issues faced by racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., while Chicano Studies examines the dynamics of the U.S.-Mexico border and the Latino presence across the nation.
I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Gonzalez and gain a deeper understanding of his life and experiences while he was earning his degree.
What do you like most about your job?
“I like the content and the information I get to share with my students.”
What do you like least?
“Having to wake up so early.”
What made you want to pursue this career?
“I can see myself waking up every day, loving the job, and teaching students about the subject and the culture. I didn’t want a corporate job.”
Are there any surprising things about your field that most people don’t know?
“Ethnic Studies and Chicano Studies are for everyone. It’s not about dividing people; it’s designed to unite people.”
What kind of education does someone need for your job?
“You need to get a master’s degree or a PhD.”
Why would someone want to take your class?
“My classes are designed to be fun. It’s not a class you take just to fulfill a requirement. If you’re not having fun, then what are you doing?”
Any advice for someone wanting to explore this field?
“Take as many classes as you can. There are so many different types of Ethnic Studies, and you can have fun with it.”
Mr. Gonzalez’s journey began when he was born into a working-class family, where his parents couldn’t understand or speak English. Growing up, Mr. Gonzalez dreamed of taking business courses to make enough money to support his parents and younger siblings, hoping to give them a better life than his own. However, when he took a Chicano Studies course, he realized he could see himself waking up every day and loving the work he was doing. This course sparked his passion and ultimately led him down the path of becoming a professor.
There were many pivotal moments in Mr. Gonzalez’s life, but one in particular stands out. He had a mentor who guided him through the process of becoming a professor. Mr. Gonzalez was part of the Puente Program, which took students to various universities and exposed them to the world of academics. Coming from a working-class family, he never had the opportunity to experience things like this before, and it opened his eyes to the possibilities in higher education that many others take for granted.
