By Antonia Peña

I’m originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, and over 25 years ago, I came to the United States with a dream: to find better opportunities for myself and my children. It wasn’t easy to leave behind my country, my people, my roots. Nor was it easy to start from scratch in Parachute with no home, no car and not knowing the language.

At that time, the Hispanic community was very small. I was one of the first families to arrive. When I took my children to school, I met a wonderful person named Trish. She showed a genuine interest in helping us. She brought along a friend who spoke Spanish, and together they helped enroll my kids: one in high school, one at Bea Underwood Elementary (BUE) and the youngest in kindergarten. At the kindergarten, I met Ms. Shelly, who offered us warmth and support every step of the way.

Over time, I realized that I knew my children better than anyone and that my ideas mattered too. At BUE, I faced a difficult situation: one of my sons is autistic, and 25 years ago, there was neither the information nor the support that exists today. My goal was to help the schools understand that we came from a different culture with a different language, but with the same desire to learn and belong.

Without knowing English, I attended parent-teacher association (PTA) meetings to understand how the school system worked. On several occasions, I was turned away by a board member who didn’t accept Hispanics. But I didn’t give up. Over time, we succeeded in getting interpretation services offered and ensuring that Latino parents were included in the PTA. To this day, I feel proud of that achievement.

Education has always been one of my goals. I fought and cried to make sure my son with autism was accepted alongside all the other students. I achieved that because I insisted that I knew my child and that they needed to listen to me.

I have always been someone who defends rights and fights for equality. During the 2010 recession, when many families lost their jobs and houses, I opened the doors of my home. For 20 years, I sold tamales, and through that, I helped many people. Although I’ve never shared this before, it fills me with pride to have connected with families who, for various reasons, had to return to their home countries.

One of the people who inspires me is Dolores Huerta, a woman I deeply admire. In recent years, I’ve had a mentor who has taught me about leadership. Thanks to Carlos Martínez of the Latino Community Foundation of Colorado, I’ve volunteered with his organization for eight years, interviewing Hispanic families and learning about their lives in Garfield County.

I’ve also promoted adult education. Colorado Mountain College (CMC) gave me the opportunity to earn my high school diploma (GED). I learned that it’s never too late to graduate. I’m proud of Tinker Duclo, vice president and campus dean of the CMC Rifle Campus, who promotes equality and has learned Spanish to better communicate with our community.

I continue to fight against the discrimination I face because of my immigration status. Even then, I have proven my values, not just for myself, but for the entire community. Anything is possible when you have dreams and you keep fighting.

I admire many Hispanic individuals for their accomplishments, and I know that one day, I will achieve all of mine. No matter how many doors close, I’ll keep knocking. My story is long, but I believe in dreams. My motto is: “Where I can’t step in, I peek in. And what I don’t know, I learn.”

To learn how to get your GED, visit: www.coloradomtn.edu/classes/ged