Five middle-aged women (myself among them) sit teary-eyed in the audience among the kids, parents, and friends of the soon-to be graduates. We've come to cheer on our girl, Alex, who overcame many obstacles to earn a seat on that stage. We five women have done our best to serve as mentors, mothers and cheerleaders to encourage her to never give up on her dream of becoming a nurse.
We know we only played a supporting role in her success. When she comes to the front of the stage to give a small speech, her parents, the real heroes of the evening, are honored. In Spanish, Alex offers a tribute to them for coming to the United States to afford a better life for their children.
We five women have all raised children of privelege. There was no question they would attend college and that many would even pursue advanced degrees. Not so with Alex. She truly is a part of the American dream and we need her.
To Alex, we say "Viva la enfermera!" Long live the new nurse!
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