By Roxanne Ocampo
Publisher: Self Published
This book’s purpose was written to help Latino parents raise superstar children and to assist students to maximize their chances of admission to “best” colleges and universities. The author strives to throw light on the college application process and to demystify the process for Latino students and parents alike.
Ms. Ocampo does an excellent job of logically breaking down the process into three distinct parts: The Quetzal Mama Principles, Strategic Planning and Resources, and The College Application Process. Her background, Masters in English and being the owner of Quetzal Mama Company (a college admission coaching practice for Latino students), is concisely structured with the right amount of detail and examples on how to best proceed with building superstars and getting into good colleges.
Her interjection of real life examples helps to explain and assist her audience through an otherwise tedious and arduous process. The only suggestion is that a little less use of own children’s accomplishments and more use of other examples may be less distracting. But, otherwise, her writing style is easy to follow and keeps the reader interested without too much technical jargon. She has done a great job of keeping her audience on track.
As a parent, I can genuinely say that this is one of the most helpful guidebooks I’ve read to date – it is a must read for all Latino parents! In her book she captures the obstacles that Latino students face and must overcome to attend colleges and to compete with non-Latino students. Although most Latinos experience these obstacles, she outlines and captures these items so that they are glaringly before the reader. The Quetzal Principles are spot on, and although many Latino parents do practice these, it’s refreshing to have a book to refer to just in case you may forget them or need gentle reminders from time to time.
Ms. Ocampo presents specific details that appeal to everyone by using the right amount of narration, series of events, great chronological structure, and truth statements that support her information. The book discusses a subject that would be considered by some to be lackluster, yet Ms. Ocampo’s literary skill manages to captivate her audience to keep reading on. Although this book was written for Latino parents and students navigating through the college admission process, it is a useful book for non-Latino populations as well.
Did this book achieve its goal? It certainly did. In a time when Latino students are falling behind in college admissions, this is a book that should be a must read for all Latino parents. If you don’t already have it – purchase it! You won’t be disappointed. It may be one of the best investments you make.
Source: Book was provided by author for review and reviewed by Corina Martinez Chaudhry.
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