I would like to let everyone know that my Grandfather was a big influence in my life as a person and as a Mathematics Instructor. He was a leader in the Mexican American Civil Rights movement and represented Mexican Americans in the Los Angles County Human Relations Commission during the Civil Rights Movement. I was fortunate to grow up hearing my grandfather discuss the "Mexican American Experience" and the history of Mexican American's in the United States. His goal was to educate all people and in particular Mexican Americans on their "identity".

     The racism my grandparent's experienced during their early lifetime can instantly bring me to tears when I think about it. It is because of their experience, sacrifice, and pain, that I vowed to never become like the people who condemned us for our heritage. Racism and intolerance have no place in our lives.