“Growing up in Los Angeles, I was fortunate to receive a quality education. My mom cleaned houses, which allowed her to get me into a better school in the neighborhood where she worked. However, I have many friends and family members who were not as lucky. Sadly, many of my friends and relatives were not so fortunate. They were either unaware of the benefits of attending a charter school or there simply wasn’t a charter school located close enough for them to consider.”
“My cousin, on the other hand, was able to attend a new charter school that was a game-changer for him. With smaller class sizes and a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math, he received a well-rounded education that prepared him for his future. The school offered opportunities that he wouldn’t have received at a traditional public school.”
“As I finished high school and started attending Cal Poly Pomona, I became more and more interested in advocating for school choice. I was determined to make a difference and joined organizations such as Young Americans for Liberty and the California Charter School Association.”
“Contrary to popular belief, charter schools are not just for conservative, white families who want to opt-out of the traditional public school system. In fact, the demand for charter schools is coming from all races and backgrounds, including black and Hispanic communities who want the best education for their children.”
“As a Latino man who grew up in a predominantly liberal community, most of my friends and family want to be able to choose where and how their children are educated. My grandmother, who is illiterate and politically as far left as I can imagine, was offended by the idea of a politician telling her where she could or could not send her children to school. She carried her children in her womb for nine months and would do anything for their success.”
“This is what is often missed about the argument for vouchers and charter schools in California. Black and Hispanic communities want vouchers and the ability to send their children to the school they believe will be the best fit. School choice is not a left-right issue, but a bipartisan one.”
“At the end of the day, I think parents want the same things for their children regardless of their background, upbringing, or political affiliations. They want their children to succeed, and education is a key component of that success. While I was fortunate enough to benefit from the progress of school choice in California, many children did not have the same opportunities.”
“As more and more charter schools open in California every year, it is clear that parents want these kinds of options. I just hope that more kids from my neighborhood will have the chance to succeed by choosing their education. It is important to move past the polarized understanding of this issue and remember that this is about parents of all races and backgrounds wanting the best for their children.”
Andrew Aguero
Pomona, CA
Andrew Aguero is a student at Cal Poly Pomona and currently works to help promote school choice for all Americans.
