Robert Olivares is a twenty-three-year-old young man who will graduate from college this June with a double major in Social Work and Spanish. He has lived in the Lake-view community, Pasco since he was 12 years old. It was a community known for gang affiliations and other anti-social activities. He grew up in a household where he was not encouraged by his parents and never felt loved or valued. He confessed that he wished he had a better experience growing up as a child. So what happened to Robert, that changed his life?
One day he happened to visit the Tierra Vida community along with some friends. It was here that he got introduced to the Center for Sharing and CASA staff working in the Tierra Vida community. First he met Walter Chimal.
He said that Walter invited him to start helping out with children attending their after-school program. Walter started including Robert in many activities. Luke Hallowell, was on staff with CFS at that time. Soon, Walter, Luke and Robert were doing many things together. Upon realizing that Robert was not doing too well at school Luke visited his parents and spoke to them about encouraging him in his studies. However, little changed, as Robert states “We were all in a dark place and in a negative mind frame”. But Luke and a guidance counselor at school continued to encourage him. At the time, Robert admitted that he was annoyed with his guidance counselor but today he realizes that he was one of the main people who helped him graduate high school.
Shortly after, Robert enrolled himself into the AA Program at CBC. However, he failed to register himself on time as he needed more funds. Luke then encouraged him to apply for Financial Aid but that would take a while to be approved. One day while visiting the Center for Sharing, he spoke to Glenn, Cheryl and Luke. He recalled the meeting when he was asked about his future plans and he vented out his frustration and told them how dejected and worthless he was feeling. He said that they told him that they believed in him…and asked if Robert believed in himself. He quietly said ‘yes’. He stated that Cheryl and Glenn offered him a study loan and encouraged him to pursue his studies. He then registered himself and started attending college.
Robert graduated from his AA Degree in 2015. After graduation this June, he plans to pursue his Masters. His journey has been exceptional and a testimony for many of us to continue to pursue what we desire and never give up. Robert says he is proud of his accomplishments but added that he would not have been able to accomplish this without the support system he had during his years of struggle.
At the Center for Sharing we have always believed in supporting each other and we are delighted to see Robert today as a mature young man with a purpose for his life, who will continue to inspire many others who are discouraged and believe that they have no future. We wish Robert all success in his future endeavors.
ABRAHAM REGUNTA