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Marketing and University Communication UW-Green Bay, CL 815 2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 (920) 465-2626 E-mail: hildebrs@uwgb.edu Last update: 10/1/07 |
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In
the News Archive - Year:
October 30, 2003 School Zone: Tenacity keeps Mercado on road to medical school By Cynthia Hodnett "I want to become a bilingual doctor because I know there's a need for
them," said Mercado, a freshman and pre-med major at the University of
Wisconsin-Green Bay. Mercado first dreamed of becoming a doctor while
growing up in Jalisco, Mexico.
She moved to Green Bay three years ago with her parents, Enrique and
Hermelinda, and her 16-year-old brother, Gerardo.
Mercado didn't know English so she enrolled in the English as a Second
Language program at Green Bay Preble High School. Her initial goal was
to take upper-level courses just as she had in Mexico.
But she couldn't because the Green Bay School District doesn't provide
advanced-level ESL courses in subjects such as chemistry or biology. So
she struggled through regular courses with the help of her teachers.
"I was really worried about my math, and my teacher told me that I could
take (a regular) advanced algebra (class)," Mercado said.
"She gave me a book, and I began to learn by myself," Mercado said.
"She gave me the tests so I could get a grade in the class. I also took
some English classes on my own at the same time I was taking (ESL) courses."
As Mercado's English skills improved, she took more regular courses
in subjects such as chemistry and biology.
By her senior year, she enrolled in the Youth Apprenticeship Program,
which is operated by the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce's Partners
in Education program. Youth apprenticeships allow high school juniors
and seniors to split time between the classroom and the workplace with
participating businesses.
She also began working part time as a personal care technician where
she performs light duties such as helping patients with their meals.
Mercado's tenacity and persistence isn't lost on those who come in contact
with her.
"Many of the students who I serve are in a variety of levels in their
concepts of going to college," said Ron Morris, program manager in the
UWGB's Admissions Office who met Mercado while she was at Preble.
"For many Hispanic students, attending college, in their eyes, isn't
attainable," Morris said. "Maria stood out because she knew that she wanted
to go to medical school. I was impressed with her because she had this
drive to take on new challenges to succeed."
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