Although Somarriba does not attribute his struggle solely to race, his is a burden shared by many first-generation Hispanic students. Somarriba's is a generation that faces competing demands. These students must bridge an achievement gap by working to raise their test scores and, at the same time, help support their families by taking jobs and caring for younger siblings. As immigrants, Boh rquez points out, parents often lack the resources necessary to guide their children through the jungle of American academia. Dreams are big.
Students reiterate the hopeful credos broadcast to American youth nationwide.
They want to be somebody, conquer the world, heal it, make a difference. Zoraida Alvarez, a starry-eyed freshman, has such goals. I want to succeed. I want to be somebody important in this world. However, Boh rquez has noticed that, in contrast to Alvarez s optimism, goals like these are unrealistic for many Hispanics.