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Washington, D.C. Beat the Odds® Awards Luncheon 2008
May 19, 2008 - May 19, 2008CDF honored five Washington, D.C., area upcoming high school seniors who have overcome tremendous adversity to demonstrate academic excellence and give back to their communities during the 2008 Beat the Odds Awards Luncheon. Actress and comedienne Ali Wentworth and ABC News anchor George Stephanopoulos hosted the event. More Information
Rose Stefany Quispe
Following the separation of her parents, Rose and her sisters were brought to the United States by their father. Rose believed the promise of the "American Dream" would help her deal with the yearning she had for her mother and friends still back in Peru. However, Rose was shocked to encounter racial slurs and stereotypes aimed at her and her family because of their inability to speak English. She felt alienated in every environment, especially in her school, and lost all confidence in herself, her culture and her family.
Once Rose transferred to Bell Multicultural High School, she began to flourish and found hope in the acceptance of her peers and teachers. Although just three years ago Rose could not speak English, she is now excelling in advanced courses like AP English and AP U.S. History. She also has been accepted to an early college summer program at the University of Princeton School of Journalism. Through her writing, Rose has found a way to express the beauty of all of her cultures. She hopes she can influence others who may feel alienated to believe that even through adversity, it is possible to achieve your dreams.
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