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Isidro Martinez: Honors In Spite of Constant Moves

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Apr 27, 2009 5:56 pm US/Pacific

Isidro Martinez: Honors In Spite of Constant Moves

Latino high school student goes from reading on 3rd grade level to honors

SAN JOSE (CBS 5) ― Isidro Martinez was born in the United States, but grew up bouncing between this country and Mexico. "I wouldn't recommend it", he says, in an understatement. When his parents had troubles at home, it would trigger a move, back and forth, from country to country, repeatedly.

For a little boy trying to shift between two languages and cultures, it was bound to affect his education. But Isidro is an honor's student at Downtown College Prep and this fall will become the first in his family to go to college! "The fact that he was able to make something positive out of it, is amazing to me", says his teacher, Julio Navarette.  "It takes a lot of determination and willpower to make it. Isidro has that drive and desire and "ganas" to go to college and make something better for himself. He wants to improve his life."

When Isidro started at Downtown College Prep in the ninth grade, he was reading at a third grade level. The school is geared to help underachieving Latino students, who are the first in their families to go to college. Isidro was exactly the type of kid they were trying to help. And one of his strengths, was an ability to seek out any available help. He would work with tutors after school and an ESL volunteer at the school. Navarette says, "he's one of the students who takes avantage of the opportunities here.

"I passed the high school English exit exam on my first try in tenth grade" says Isidro. "I am shooting for success". 

"I know he'll do great.  says Navarette. "I can see him giving back to his community".

 

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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