Angel

Angel has been forced to shoulder more responsibility and faced more adversity than most, and has managed to continue on his path with unwavering tenacity. He was born in New York but his family traces their deep roots back to Mexico where he enjoys visiting his grandparents and playing soccer (futbol) with his cousins. He lives in Baltimore with his mother and 3 younger brothers, the youngest being 2 years old. He has grown up helping his mother care for and raise his younger brothers--he has been forced to take on a great deal of responsibility in this respect. He pushes himself to work hard in school and in various part-time jobs because he knows that his brothers look up to him and his family depends on him. The way in which he has transformed himself, not only as a teenager and brother, but in the mature role of guardian and role model, is truly remarkable.

Angel joined the Dunbar IMP program at the start of his sophomore year after struggling through freshman year while trying to balance work, school, and home responsibilities. The IMP program provided a "family" of 6 mentors that worked to help Angel to get things back on track with his home and school life. He immediately impressed his mentors, tutors, and especially his teachers with the abilities that he displayed his sophomore year. He is a fast learner and his teachers and mentors have grown to expect a great deal out of him because they see his potential that is sometimes camouflaged but always present. Angel himself has grown to realize this potential while challenging himself during his junior year. He has formed his own goals of attending college, finding a fulfilling career, and continuing to help his family in any way that he can.

Angel is an engaging person, intelligent student, and deeply dedicated family man. It is not hard to see the raw potential in his eyes and you cannot help but imagine all of the exciting things that the future holds for Angel, and the wonderful things that he has yet to reveal.