It was extremely heartbreaking when I heard the news of Marshalls passing. I met Jefe sometime in 1999/2000 at Loyola Marymount University when I had gone through serious academic and personal struggles. There was no greater beacon of hope, guidance, and support than what he gave. I fondly remember watching my friends walk at graduation in 2001 as I stood weeping. He saw me and asked why I was so sad. As I told him that while I was happy for my friends, I felt dismayed because I was supposed to graduate with them. His heartfelt response which sticks with me today is its not when you graduate, its that you graduate. Since then, he lifted my spirits and I was determined to return to LMU. It is my honest belief that it was through him and handful of caring LMU people that truly believed in me that allowed me to return and graduate from LMU nearly 10 years later, an achievement that I was informed that an extreme few have done. During this time, he saw me grow up from a young punk kid to the person I am today. I owe this man my entire academic tenure; if it wasnt for him, I wouldnt know where I would have ended up. His dedication to students went a long way through the offices of EIS. It was through their assistance that I was able to get my books for the semester and I always gave my time to help in any way possible. His warm smile, pleasant speaking, and humble demeanor made you just want to hug the big bear that he was. I even received the Si Se Puede award in 2007 because of him, although he was quite sneaky about it! After my time at LMU, I still kept in touch with Marshall and visited him whenever I could, even seeing him at the USC campus when Oregon was in town to play. One of his last messages to me was in regards to this years achievements of attending graduate school at USC and becoming a US citizen which I will share: Im proud to see how far youve come since I first met you! Every challenge youve met head on and through shear determination & hard work youve been successful! I shared your story with a fellow educator who also advocates for Dream Act students & you are one of my most inspirational people! His passion for education was eclipsed only by the love for his students. We have lost an educator, mentor, and beloved friend. However he will always live on in the hearts and minds of those whose lives he has touched. Thank you for absolutely everything. This is for you, Jefe.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 21:10:16 +0000