It is projected that by 2010, 50 percent of the population inCalifornia will be Hispanic. However, of the more than 30 millionHispanics living in the nation today, only about 10 percent have acollege degree.

With this number of Latinos enrolled in college, members ofseveral groups, including the Association of Chicana Activists, havetaken it upon themselves to make changes toward the future of thestate and nation.

The 9th Annual A.Ch.A High School Conference was held at San DiegoState this past weekend. Its main emphasis was to motivate and makestudents aware of the possibilities they have if they choose to go tocollege. The theme for this year’s conference was “Educate Ourselvesto Improve Ourselves.”

Juanita Salas, A.Ch.A vice chair, expressed her enthusiasm atseeing about 700 students registered for the conference.

“The high school conference committee worked really hard (puttingthis event together),” she said. “This is our biggest event, and weare really proud of the 35 members that have made it a greatsuccess.”

Among the speakers at this year’s conference was award-winningpoet and commentator Michelle Serros. Her message to the audience wasto always share what they think and to be proud of their heritage andwho they are.

Serros talked about her experiences growing up in Los Angeles andthe problems she encountered as a Latina in the United States.Throughout her life, she faced negativity from some people whothought she would never be a writer because of her ethnic background.

“That’s what I thought I had to do (to succeed) — be a whiteman,” Serros said.

Other notable speakers included alumna Norma Sandoval-Ordonez, whoovercame financial difficulties that a lot of Latinas face inlow-income communities. She is now a teacher and is also about tofinish her master’s degree.

A.Ch.A President Rita Guerra said the purpose of the organizationis to assist Latinas in their college experience.

“They are my family away from home,” Guerra said.

Although the conference was specifically aimed at young Chicanas,everyone was able to attend, including men. Guerra said it isimportant for males to understand women’s issues because they affecteveryone.

Overall, the conference can help direct all students on a path tocollege, she said.

“If one of them walks away believing they learned something, Ibelieve we did our job,” Guerra said.