Brenda Barrera

  Brenda Barrera is one of the heroes in our community. She is a proud Latina, she is a little dark skinned, a little short, and has straight hair. She looks like a very nice lady that likes to help the community. She is very energetic, happy with the work she does, and she like to meet new people. In her free time she likes reading books such as plays and books about early childhood education. She also likes playing sports like volleyball and softball. She graduated from a high school in Iowa. It was hard for her finishing high school because she dropped out and was sent to Iowa to finish high school but she made it. Brenda is a college student and wants to graduate in early childhood education. But for now, she works at the Logan Square Neighborhood Association.

  Brenda started working at the Logan Square Neighborhood Association a couple years ago. She started working there because her aunt offered her that job, and after that she was involved. Now she works at the Logan Square Neighborhood Association and she really enjoys working because she works with people and meets new people that in the future can help her. Brenda’s inspiration is her future because she sees herself doing a lot like helping people. Like Brenda said, “I’d like to help in this type of community.” This is what inspires her to persevere right now and stay helping in the future.

  Brenda is a strong and hard working person and as everyone else, she had obstacles to face. One of her obstacles that she had over come has been graduating from high school. This is what makes me think that she is strong and hard worker. Brenda managed to finish in two years and didn’t give up. Another obstacle that Brenda had was when her grandpa died because it affected her school, her work, and the plans she had.

  Brenda has heroes just like everyone else and they would be leaders in the community such as her boss. One of Brenda’s bosses made a major impact in her life. One of Brenda’s old bosses helped her look for a scholarship. She qualifies for mostly everything and she might get it. One of the requirements is to work in the community. Since she had been working in the community she has seen how people in the community are. Brenda would like to change that. She thinks there’s a lot of people that have a “I don’t care attitude,” and don’t really care who the governor is. Brenda said, ”I would like to see people that speak up for what they believe and doing so make the right choices for our community. I’d like to see more people unite more and help other people.” By this I could see that Brenda really cares about making a difference and a better community.

  Brenda has told me a piece of advice for teens that are Latinos. Brenda said, “To stay in school and to always remember you’re Latinos.” Since she works in the community, sometimes she has to go to meetings. While she’s there, she notices that sometimes she’s the only Latina and there are more whites involved. When she’s in those meetings, she feels proud because she’s the only Latina and that she has accomplished something. Brenda thinks that education is important because you need it for your life. She has noticed that some people say that some kids are smarter than others because of their race but is not really about that. It’s about how they were taught. Brenda has noticed that parents who are always teaching their kids every time they have chance, even when the kids are playing, have smarter kids. Brenda would like encourage more Latinos to teach their kids in a younger age not only in school but also in their home and to let their kids go to preschool because that’s when they start learning the best. 

Written by: Janet Brito