San Rafael Student's Journey To Graduation Began In Guatemala With Her Mother's Murder
SAN RAFAEL (KPIX) -- Deborah "Gaby" Gonzalez has read more than 1,000 books in English. When she came to the United States five years ago she only spoke Spanish. She remembers reading her first book in English as, "the most amazing feeling ever."
It only took Gaby two years to go from beginning English classes to advanced placement composition. It's a feat her teachers call stunning. Her advanced English teacher, Jeannine Thurston, says Gaby is one of the smartest students she has.
It's been a long journey.
Gaby grew up in Guatemala. Her father abandoned her. She and her mother lived together until she was 11. Her mom was murdered by a gunman. Gaby felt she had lost everything. It's more trauma than most of her peers at San Rafael High school can imagine.
She lived alone in Guatemala for 2 years. She had limited support from her family there. Her grandmother, in the U.S., came to her rescue.
"She was my teeny tiny light at the end of the tunnel," Gaby says.
Gaby's grandmother used her savings to bring her granddaughter into the country. She put off retirement, and cleans houses to support her. The pay is low, the hours are long, and the work is exhausting.
The food bank at San Rafael High helps feed the two of them. Gaby wishes she could do more to help but, she knows that doing well in school will ultimately pay off.
First, Gaby had to overcome the anger she felt after her mother's murder. Now, she's found a way to use it.
"You learn how to turn that anger to determination. If you leave it anger, it will eat you alive," Gaby said.
Ms. Thurston can see it. She says, "I don't know that Gaby knows how to give up or how not to be persistent."
Gaby is getting help. Students Rising Above will help her get to, and through, college. The nonprofit has given her a mentor and an advisor. Both of them helped her get accepted to seven colleges.
That is a first for Gaby's family. She wants to be a lawyer so she can be a voice for the poor and victims of violence. Gaby says there are lots of people who need help and she wants to be their voice. She'll start when she goes to Brandeis University this fall.
