Motivation for a higher education

Los Angeles City Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa was scheduled to speak at Santa Monica College last Tuesday about his plans for the city if elected mayor in the upcoming race against Mayor James Hahn.
However, he cancelled due to agenda-related issues.
The event, held April 26, was organized by ENLACE and the Latino Student Union in search of a fusion of the Hispanic community.
"It would have made a bigger difference if he would have been there personally. Some students were discouraged that he didn't show up," said Wendy Mehia, director of academic support for the Latino Student Union.
Instead, two representatives from the Westside and Eastside spoke about the upcoming election and introduced Villaraigosa's plans for the success of the Los Angeles community.
"Many people thought Antonio was running a victory lap," said speaker Charles Leone.
Villaraigosa wants to change the face of Los Angeles by evoking his passion to restore and build new schools, affordable workforce housing, pursue homeland security, and decrease the homicide rate. Campaign officials said that Villaraigosa has invested $1.9 billion in his campaign to build more class and a college class," said Garcia with forcefulness.
Bright-eyed and enthused following the students' workshop on AB-540 led by the advisor of the Latino Student Union, Maria Martinez, numerous students shared some of their newly acquired knowledge about Santa Monica College.
"This day helps me get more information on how to move on with my life after high school. Thanks to Carla [Garcia] and everyone else I will be able to have a better future than my parents," said Mildred Orellana, a 16-year-old Jordan High School student who plans to major in either psychology or cosmetology.
Garcia has been intensely motivated to continue this event for another year due to its success in 2004.
She has seen several women use the tools provided by this field trip to create their own light at the end of a once seemingly hopeless tunnel.
"It interests me to see how the programs on campus are helping the Latinos in California," said Ismael Garcia, a future architecture major.
With the help of Santa Monica College and its students, the Women's College program will unite with the Latino Youth Conference program to create a better solidarity and provide this information to even more at-risk teens.