Gabriela Gonzalez and Jacqueline Mendoza, Rossier Master of Arts in Teaching candidates, are among recent recipients of the generous Leo F. Buscaglia Inner-City Teaching Scholarship Fund. Both Gonzalez and Mendoza began their educational careers with some disadvantages, and like Buscaglia himself, were guided toward success by compassionate teachers along the way.
But it was the Buscaglia Scholarship itself that allowed them to bring their dreams to life at USC Rossier.
Mendoza, an Oakland native, said she faced tremendous inequalities in public schools, where at times she didn’t even have a teacher in her classroom. She is therefore driven to make a difference in her students’ lives. “I am so grateful for the few teachers who inspired me, because without them, I would not be here now, still pushing forward with my education,” she said. “I want to be one of those teachers.”
Despite similar struggles in inner-city South Los Angeles schools, Gonzalez said it was the love and care of teachers and mentors who helped her excel as a student. “Although it was tough, I never doubted my abilities or what was possible for me, because teachers told me that the sky is the limit,” Gonzalez said. “I’m sure it was challenging for them, too, but their love for teaching was so transparent that it motivated me to learn and continue to reach for the sky.”
Now back in her hometown, Gonzalez plans to be the teacher that provides inspiration and opportunities to local South Los Angeles public school students who struggle with English
“When we reach out to someone and the effect is made—everyone, everything which comes in contact with the person we’ve affected is better for it,” said Buscaglia (BA ’49, MS ’52, PhD ’63). A former USC professor and renowned scholar, author and speaker, and public television personality dubbed “The Love Doctor,” he established his Scholarship in 1990, providing significant tuition assistance to outstanding students planning to teach in urban schools.
