There is much to celebrate as Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood heads into year four of providing pathways to college and career attainment for students and families in the Castle Park community of Chula Vista.
Our first generation college students, in their first and second years, continue on their academic path and have become an inspiration for their younger peers and community too. The “if” has been replaced with “when” as students and parents from preschool to high school share future aspirations.
In addition to academic achievements is the strong bond of community that continues to grow. Recently, students of all ages and their parents walked in Chula Vista’s Starlight Parade to share their pride for their schools, community and future.
“When I first started reading about CVPromise, it sounded like a dream,” Flor Aldai said. “That first year, the Promotoras started reaching out to me and inviting me to all the workshops and events on the campus of Castle Park Elementary.”
Aldai said she was hesitant at first, worried that she couldn’t meet the expectations needed for the school. It’s a worry many parents shared — that fear of the unknown compounded by cultural, language and economic barriers.
“I credit the Promotoras and the welcoming way they invite us. The way they answer our questions and respond to our doubts,” Aldai said. “No matter the day or time, the Promotoras are there to help. This is how I kept going forward, never backward.”
Little did she know then what an influence she would have on her daughter’s school and community. Aldai started slowly as a volunteer at the school’s front office and began to attend various CVPromise workshops and presentations. Her involvement grew to serving on the English Language Learners Advisory Committee, School Site Council and ultimately re-establishing Castle Park Elementary’s PTA which had been dormant for years.
“We didn’t have a PTA,” Aldai said. “And I thought, OK, this is a huge commitment but let’s take on the challenge. We have a strong PTA now and I continue to be part of it.”
From walking clubs to school gardens to parent support groups to school university clubs, organic programs and activities continue to grow each year both on campuses and in the neighborhood. For Aldai, the change is not only visible in her community but in her own life as well.
“Compared to who I was three years ago, I feel I have learned a lot and have grown personally,” Aldai said. “I ask questions and research and feel much more confident. I thank Promise Neighborhood and Promotoras for giving us these opportunities.”
“Maybe before, Castle Park didn’t have the best reputation. Maybe we were looked at as lower than other communities. But that is changing. We are never going to go backward. There are no limits. I consider myself very fortunate to be part of this community.”
Chula Vista Promise Neighborhood is coordinated by South Bay Community Services and is proud to partner with Castle Park Elementary, Castle Park Middle, Castle Park High School, Hilltop Middle and Hilltop High School to bring new opportunities and pathways of success for their students and families.
For more information, visit CVPromise.org or call (619)-422-5005.
