Sallie Mae 2002 Annual Report Download - page 12

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pur suing l if el ong dr eams
Born in Mexico to parents who were migrant farm workers, Dr. Juanita Del
La Cruz’s story is one of perseverance and inspiration.
Juanita’s childhood was spent travelling the United States with her four
siblings, as her parents searched for seasonal work on local farms. Eventually, the
family settled in South Texas, farming vegetable and fruit crops.
The life of a migrant farm worker is difficult. Physical exhaustion is routine,
as men, women and children often work seven days a week, sometimes up to
12 hours a day. Often there is no access to clean water or sanitary facilities.
Inadequate housing facilities, lack of healthcare and the absence of basic literacy
skills create further challenges for this transitory population.
Under these harsh living conditions, it is no surprise that formal education
was not a priority for Juanita or her family; instead, daily survival became the
focus. By the eighth grade, in 1968, Juanita had dropped out of school.
Juanita’s education dreams, however, did not end in 1968. Her parents,
despite having just 10 years of formal education between them, encouraged
Juanita to pursue her education. She went on to receive her GED, attend commu-
nity college, graduate from the University of Miami and complete a master’s
degree in public administration from Florida International University. Then, with
private loans through Sallie Mae, Juanita achieved a doctorate in education from
Nova Southeastern University.
Today, Juanita is an advocate for underprivileged and homeless children,
helping others in Miami gain access to the same educational opportunities
she has experienced.
“Education expanded my world—endlessly,” Juanita says, “allowing me the
chance to give back in a meaningful, purposeful way. With my education, I have
been able to break the chains of poverty for my own two children.
“If I could say anything to that person out there who may be facing a
seemingly hopeless situation, it would be this: Invest in education. It opens
doors. I am living proof.”
2001
Sallie Mae reaches
$10 billion in preferred-
channel originations;
$1 billion in MBA loans
are originated this year.
2000
Sallie Mae acquires USA Group,
diversifying its revenue sources
with the addition of guarantor
servicing and debt-management
operations. Wiredscholar.com,
a planning and paying for college
Web site, is launched.
“Invest in education.
It opens doors.”
DR. JUANITA DELLA CRUZ
Pictured above is Juanita Del La Cruz in 1972.
Pictured at right is Dr. Del La Cruz today.