Only two years ago, Mauricio Reyes did not speak English. Now he is an honor student taking Advanced Placement College prep classes at Balboa High School and is planning to a attend a UC in the fall. Mauricio moved to the United States from El Salvador.

There had always been problems with his father, and when they moved to the United States it became worse. His father was violent and Mauricio had to stand up for his mother. He kicked Mauricio’s mother and sister out of the home and moved in his new girlfriend. Things continued to be difficult for Mauricio as his father became violent with his new girlfriend. His father kicked him out of the house four times. He was verbally abusive with Mauricio, and tried to convince him to give up on his dream to go to college. The living situation became totally unbearable for him after his dad rented out the rooms in the house. He has since moved in with his mom and sister in a small one room apartment.

Mauricio has managed to maintain a 3.6 GPA and loves literature, poetry, and reading Shakespeare. Mauricio also has the obtained the proud distinction of being on the Latino Honor Roll.

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