Low-income, low expectations?

Luz Elena Gutierrez (left) is this year’s valedictorian at Fremont High in South L.A., and will head for UC Berkeley on a full scholarship. Her sister Edith was valedictorian in 2002 and just graduated cum laude from UCLA.

“People have low expectations when you come from Fremont," said Luz Elena, 18. " 'Inner-city school. Low-income kid. Immigrant family.' They don't expect us to succeed. But look at me, where I am now. So anything is possible." [Los Angeles Times, June 29, 2006; photo by Javier Manzano]

Related page: nurturing talent : teen/young adult
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