Introduction and Education Experience

I am Alejandra Cordero.  Even though I grew up in the United States, I was born in Mexico.  I was born in the city of Zacatecas, Zacatecas.  However, at the age of three, just before I entered school, my parents brought me to the new world.  My first two years of preschool were spent in Head Start, located at the heart and soul of the south side of Milwaukee.  Even though English was not my first language, I adopted the new language.  I then started elementary school in St. Anthony.  I attended a private, Catholic school.  St. Anthony was a Hispanic populated school.  However, I must admit that I personally didn’t feel that the education there reached certain standards.  I really liked the environment, the people, but I was a rebel.  For example, I was always late to class.  Nonetheless, that had to stop.

After completing fourth grade, I was hit with the sad news.  I was transferring schools.  My sister and I found out that we were transferring schools to Holy Wisdom Academy.  At that time however, I didn’t see it as an enhancement.  My new school was the total opposite of St. Anthony.  The prime difference being the race of the school—Caucasian.  Looking back today, I don’t think I never fully adjusted to the change.  I never really felt comfortable, knowing that I was the only Hispanic girl in my class.  However, this change in my environment did allow me to strive for academic excellence.  I was given the opportunity to look beyond that stereotypical Mexican outlook in life.  I graduated eighth grade as valedictorian of my class.

My high school career was similar to my middle school experience.  Saint Thomas More High School was also a private, Catholic school.  Once again, I was the only Hispanic student in the AP classes I took.  Overall, I tried to have a good time even though I was never around my friends.  I talked to students in my class—acquaintances, however, they were never considered friends.  All of my friends took normal courses.  Therefore, I never got to see them.  However, I did get involve in school activities.  I really got involved in sports—basketball, cross country, soccer.  I can proudly say I graduated high school as part of the smartest ten percent of my class.