Apr 9, 2008

Hispanic Heritage



Editor's Note: As America celebrates Latin Heritage Month, In Motion focuses on the contributions of its ethnic students.

Whenever he has a chance, DBCC senior business management major Gary Vela sneaks off to the small piano rooms around campus for a moment of inspiration.

Vela gingerly places his books to the side and takes his shoes off to concentrate as his fingers gracefully fly over the tops of black and white keys. Suddenly, a melody emerges and the eyes of this self-taught musician drift downward to a soft close.

Vela's natural talent is not restricted to music. In fact, his harmony manifests itself in many areas of his academic repertoire. In December, Vela will become the first and youngest Latino student to graduate from the business program, a curriculum focused on supplying students with the skills necessary for managerial positions.

The 25-year-old international student has spent the last seven years in the United States fine-tuning his academic talents. Though he is far from the Amazon jungles of Peru where he was born, Vela has found a niche on campus as an active participant in college activities.

Born into a single-parent home, Vela said he motivated himself to get an education in Peru. Whether it was washing cars, cleaning pools or picking fruit, Vela said he performed a number of jobs to help ease the family's financial burdens.

Carl Schell, a missionary from the Amazon Basin Benevolent Association in Peru, took notice of Vela's dedication and decided to support his studies abroad. Today, generous friends help him finance his education.

"They saw my potential," Vela said, "so they gave me the education I deserved."

But coming to America was not a simple affair. It came with its fair share of shocks, Vela said. The first time he went to a supermarket, he said, "I wanted to cry." The abundance of food reminds Vela of the difficulties "dinner time" would present for his family.

"I would always cry behind doors for my family," said Vela, who hasn't seen them since 2001.

Vela is now looking to acquire a work visa to remain in the United States so he can build a home here. Using his degree and experience in software creation, he said he plans to start a computer programming business and eventually move back to teach computer skills to Peruvian families.

"I want to get married, buy a home and pay taxes," Vela said about his future endeavors. Until graduation, Vela said he will continue to play to the rhythm of the American dream.

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