Jessica Muñoz
10th Grade

Mount Eden High School
Hayward, CA

Jessica started her Junior at Mount Eden High School in Hayward, CA in the fall of 2008.

Jessica Muñoz was inspired to write her poem in order to break stereotypes. As a Latina at a high school with significant gang activity, Jessica wants to be seen for her unique abilities, not as a criminal. She strives to be proactive in her community.

She is a leader in her community – she has sat on the Hayward Youth Commission for two years and is signed up with Volunteers of America.

Excerpt from her contest winning poem:

...I'm Mexican, so I must have swam across a river.
Instead, I dove into an ocean of knowledge.
I'm Mexican, so I must have hopped the border.
Instead, I hopped from one grade level to another.
I'm Mexican, so I must be an illegal alien.
Instead, I have foreign customs and a mind that is out of this world.
Save me a spot in college so I can succeed.
Save me a spot in college so I can stand on my own two feet.
Save me a spot in college so I can shatter the stereotypes.
I'm Mexican, so I must not be college bound.
Save ME a spot in college to prove them all wrong.