Wise Latinas: Writers on Higher Education
While not every essay in this collection by and about Latinas and their experiences with higher education imparts great wisdom, together they present a nuanced picture of the determination, sorrow, and sacrifice conjoining a young Latina’s decision to attend college and graduate school. The voices span Hispanic American nationalities—Mexican, Cuban, Colombian, Puerto Rican, Tejana (Texan Mexican)—as well as places  of origin and destination. Among the most prevalent topics are traditional mothers, both loving and clinging; alienation from families and neighborhood friends; and sex, including a fair degree of explicitness. The final selection, by Sandra Cisneros, is a wistful but ultimately satisfying reflection ending with her father’s eventual acceptance of her chosen career. What drives these women to break from their familial and cultural narratives, even though, according to contributor Jennine Capo Crucet, “We’ve all felt so alone and guilty”? Her answer: “We are strong enough to take this hit for our daughters’ sakes.” Moreover, writes Stephanie Elizondo Griest, “it’s amazing to see who else you might become along the way.” --Carolyn Saper