DIANA PARRA-VILLASEÑOR,
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Who I
am
My family is from Chihuahua, Mexico. My parents migrated to Northern California to give me and my two brothers the educational opportunities that weren't available to them in Mexico. I value my culture and family dearly - we get together at least once a week, traditionally on Sundays. I am married and we are blessed to have three little angels. They have added more joy and love to our lives than I ever imagined! I am a Gridley High alumnae and I am also the ETS advisor there. I am also the advisor at Live Oak High, Hamilton Elementary, and Hamilton High School. I am a Founding Mother of Sigma Omega Phi, a multi-cultural sorority, and I am now their advisor. I graduated from California State University, Chico with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Chicano Studies. In November of 1994, I began working for Educational Talent Search and I love it! The different programs I have worked for (ETS, Migrant Education, the Educational Opportunity Program and the Admissions Office) have given me the opportunity of meeting and helping wonderful students and their families.
What my
interests are
I love to spend quality time with the special people in my life - family, sorority sisters and friends. The students in the program are part of my "family" and time with them is also truly rewarding. I love to take pictures and have them around me to keep my happy and remind me of good times. Traveling, appreciating nature, reading, dancing and celebrating holidays (like Christmas) are also very important to me.
Why Educational
Talent Search is important to me
I was a first generation college student, from a family who couldn't provide the financial support necessary for a postsecondary education. Being the only daughter in a traditional Mexican family, I wasn't pushed to continue my education, and I had a lot of unanswered questions. While I was in high school, I participated in the Upward Bound program at CSU, Chico, which helped make my dream of attending a university a reality. I know first hand the importance of educational programs and the positive impact they can have on a student's life. My background parallels what a majority of the ETS students are going through in junior high and high school. I am extremely committed to my students and they know I am genuine when I tell them I'll be here to help them in any way I can!
My important
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