Demographic Dilemma
Educators and policymakers are worried that despite a growing population, Hispanic college attendance and graduation rates haven’t changed in 20 years.
By Garry Boulard
As he enters his last semester of law school at the University of New
Mexico, Diego Esquibel remains convinced that he probably would not be where he is today had it not been for the unwavering support of his parents, who repeatedly insisted that he complete his formal education.
“Their thinking has always been that if I did not stick with it and instead went off in some other direction, I would essentially be closing doors for myself that should be open,” says Esquibel. “So sometimes, more for them than even for me, I have continued on. And now that I am so near to the end, I am really glad that I did.”
This year, Esquibel, 28, will not only be wrapping up his studies at UNM but also working in the local district attorney’s office in Albuquerque. He hopes the job will help him get a feel for the daily life of a public prosecutor.
But although he comes from a university with a growing percentage of Hispanic students, Esquibel is still more of the exception than the norm, especially when it comes to the graduate and professional schools.
