The Latino Graduation was this past weekend and I had the
honor to be the co-MC. What an inspiring and motivating event to get me through
the last weeks of year two. As the many students thanked their families,
friends, and mentors, a dear friend and mentor came to mind. I wondered, “I’m not sure where I would be or what I would be doing if it
wasn’t for Florentino ‘Tatu’ ‘Tino’ Manzano.”
You see, Tatu gave me my first job at CSUN as a work-study
student. There are a few life-changing
events one remembers in full detail.
The work-study job fair is one of those for me.
It was an early August morning when my father and I left
McFarland for CSUN. It was extremely important for me to have a job at CSUN
before I started classes. I didn’t want to burden my parents with the thought
of having to provide for me while I was away at school. I wanted to financially
do this on my own.
I remember what my dad was wearing and the pink and black
flowery dress I was wearing. I remember the smell of the morning air and the
long drive in my family’s brown Plymouth car. My dad drove while I went over my
resume and worked on my jitters.
As we arrived at CSUN, I remember my dad wishing me “suerte
hija” and I gave him a hug for being so supportive. I could see the pride in
his eyes as we walked through the breeze-way of the Music Building. His
thoughts, “my daughter is going to college”; my thoughts “I need a job.”
I walked around the many tables staffed by University
employees with hundreds of other students. They too were on a search for their perfect student job. I
made 3 afternoon appointments for interviews. The office of Arts Educational
Equity Program was one of them.
I interviewed with Tatu and obviously I landed the job. Not
sure what tugged at his heart-strings to hire me, maybe it was because he met
my dad that afternoon, or maybe it was because Oxnard is not that much
different from McFarland (Tatu was from Oxnard). However, he gave me an
opportunity and I am forever grateful an indebted to him.
You may say, “it was just a job” but it wasn’t just a
job. It became my home away from
home. Tino and Ludim (Tatu’s wife)
became my parents, Denise (administrative assistant) and Neida (student worker)
were my sisters, and Manny (student worker) became my brother. Many more brothers and sisters would
come into the picture and later Tio's and Tia's would be included. Many who are still close friends.
You see, Tino and
Ludim invited us all into their home and their lives. Their doors were always open, their hands were always reaching, their hearts always willing. It was not only a family, but also an academically nurturing
and supporting home. Those who experienced it will understand. I have not
experienced this anywhere else and I have worked and lived in many places. As I cross paths with my brothers and
sisters there is a bond. I call it the Manzano (Tino and Ludim) Effect. A
common thread that binds us; embedded in our fabric of life. This string cannot
be broken. It brings out the best
in us and gives us joy, hope, motivation, and inspiration. It will forever be a
special moment in my life.
This blog can’t begin to describe my gratitude for Tatu. My father entrusted my well being to you 20 years ago and you continue to shape my life in my everyday decisions as a
leader. As I MC’d the Latino
Graduation Celebration, and as the graduates were thanking their families,
friends, and mentors, I couldn’t help but to think where would I be without
Tatu. Tatu, you continue to be a big part of my life for so many reasons. I
want to wish you a very Happy Early Birthday!!
PEACE, LOVE, and GOD BLESS!!!
