PowerPoint Presentation

The Many Roads We Travel on our way to build a resilient self!!!

Cleo Rodriguez, Jr.National Migrant Seasonal Head Start Association

My realization when I became involved with the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment for Preschoolers through my good friend and colleague Linda Likens. First stepEvery journey begins with the first step

Different journeysPersonal Childhood Journey

My personal childhood journeyStarted in Rio Grande Valley of TexasParents- both migrant farmers- cottonMom oldest of 7Father- youngest of 8- dads father died in a farming accident when my father was 2 yoBoth parents 3rd/6th grade educationI grew up in public schoolsMom was a stay at home mom

Dad worked two jobs newspaper and produce department of grocery storeSailed through school- average studentOne experience- 9th grade shop class wanted to take a communication/debate class. Built a stepping stool.

Foundations of my childhood journey:Started with parents and one of my auntsIncredible love/admiration my parents had for each other- 50 years marriageMoms constant presence in school (room mother, sewed, baking)Fathers constant and I mean constant reminderson, get educated you dont want to work like I do you can do something different- you willI had an internal drive and resiliency that I cannot explain I just knew I could do it! NEVER GIVE UP!

Dad and Mom today.

8Worked with my aunt at the age of 10 at the offices she cleaned. She was my inspiration of hard work and enjoy what you did for work she would whistle to work- literally in the 100 degree weather as we walked to clean her office never complained- always smiled. Taught me about work in the fields watermelons and orange groves.She taught me the value of hard labor work something I am forever grateful gracias Tia Tome

Me and Tia

Graduated from high school with ZERO plan..but knew I wanted to go to college.Parents had ZERO clue how to help me gain access.but I got to the university on my own that internal resiliency again.Flounder for 3 years before I met one of the single most important persons in my life Dr. Nelwyn B. Moore. She told me I was smart and I believed her.Dr. Nelwyn B. Moore

ADD/Dyslexia tendencies No ECIWorking poor family/High risk neighborhoodPremature birth5th grade bussingFamily risks9th grade shop Graduate- zero planCleos Risk Factors

Cleos Protective FactorsStable family lifeStrong extended familyStrong CommunityWork ethicStrong extended familyStrong self-worthGoal orientedSelf-starterStrong peer relationsNelwyn B. MooreWe all have our journeys. We all come to crossroads. We all have to make choicesMy reason today for excellence: