Tony Olivares - Childhood

I was very fortunate, unlike most children who attended my school and also lived in East LA to have had two hard-working parents in my household who motivated me to do my best. Both of my parents value education, despite both of them never having the opportunity to receive a higher education. They immigrated to the U.S. before the oldest brother, Juan, was born to give their children the opportunity they never had. They were poor, but they stayed in low-wage jobs and worked tirelessly, day and night, to provide for the family. The oldest brother was not only the first in the family to go to college, but he was the first in the family to go to an Ivy League, Yale University. My parents did not even know what Yale University was, but he got into one of the best schools in the country. He served as a role model for the rest of the brothers -- Daniel, Ricardo, and me, the youngest.

The reason I am where I am today is solely because of my parents and my brothers. They have set the pathway for me to succeed. While there is immense pressure on me to succeed and not let my family down, I believe that it only motivates me to be the best.They all have been great role models for me. Although, other kids who went to my school and also lived in the East LA area were not so lucky. They resorted to selling drugs, or working at low paying jobs as early as 15 years old, because of their lack of resources, motivation, and role models.. I am lucky to have been given this opportunity by my parents and brothers to be able to create a life that I want to live.