Onward to 2008

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2007 is coming to an end around the world. In less than an hour, the New Year will reach California.

I am here at home watching The Kingdom with my father after spending the afternoon with my grandfather. My mother is in Mexico with her family and tending to my ill grandfather. My older brother is out and about and my younger brother is playing World of Warcraft.

It will be a quiet New Year’s for me and much has occurred in 2007.

In early 2007, I worked for the Campaign for College Opportunity as an organizer. I traveled throughout the Northern San Joaquin Valley speaking with students in schools big and small about the importance of higher education. The most heartfelt moment was when a primary school girl approached me after our discussion and she had tears in her eyes. She told me that she thought she could never go to college because she was born in Mexico and because of that she never really tried to do well in school. It is sad for me to think about that moment now. To know that there are young people throughout the state who do not aspire to more because of where they were born elsewhere. The teacher was kind enough to send an email to my supervisor about that moment. I will never forget it.

After over a decade, I concluded my years as a student leader at UC Merced. When I was elected the first student body president of UC Merced in May 2006, I knew it would end twelve months later. At the last Senate meeting in May, I walked with Mayra from the Kolligian Library to the Lake Parking Lot and we stopped in the middle of the Bridge. We stood for a few moments looking out and then continued on. Each day I tried my best, beginning in elementary school student council, to represent my peers. There were highs and lows throughout. From questioning my ability to lead effectively to responding reasonably to arguments leveled, it was always fun and challenging; I learned so much.

In June, I started my internship for Lt. Governor John Garamendi and by September I was hired full-time. In just six months, I have observed so much. Traveling up and down the state is very exciting. The Lt. Governor is incredibly knowledgeable. We visit places and as he meets with folks he is able to recall people, characteristics, statistics, and facts. I am continually impressed by his command of such things. I jot down notes on my notepad, circle important things and put stars next to others. I really do not know how my mind is processing this entire experience but I am trying to absorb as much as possible.

Lastly, I have spent this entire year with a beautiful woman, Mayra. She is absolutely amazing to me. For all the things life can hold, the one thing I have discovered is the love two people can have for each other. Growing up, I observed this year in and year out with my parents. I never really understood the notion, the love; I still do not think I do. I just know that I am very happy to have shared this past year with Mayra.

Looking ahead to 2008, I am going to focus on furthering my understanding of California, people, government and politics; build and maintain stronger connections with my family and friends; read often, exercise regularly and eat healthy; and live life to the fullest by traveling and seeing places in the world that I have yet to see.