Vanessa is pictured reporting to the Hispanic Chamber about her trip. Pleasanton Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (PHCC) had the opportunity of helping Vanessa Ortiz , a Pleasanton High School freshman, attend a program of the National Hispanic Institute (NHI) in Laredo, Texas. At the July PHCC Board meeting, Miss Ortiz reported on her experience at NHI.

Miss Ortiz quoted Ernesto Nieto (founder of NHI) as saying "Our purpose is furthering the educational development of youth by guiding them to see themselves as competent, aggressive, skilled and educated individuals who represent immense value to an emerging world of dual realities."

The program Vanessa attended was titled "The Great Debate" which focused on communication as a powerful tool of leadership. PHCC believes the entire community will benefit by encouraging our youth to take leadership positions - whether paid or volunteer.

Vanessa reports that she experienced the best six days of her summer at NHI. She describes the experience as follows:

Vanessa Ortiz receiving her check to attend the National Hispanic workshop in Laredo. Shown are Joe Trevino, Vanessa Ortiz and Carolyn and Hector Moreno. "I learned the skill of crossexamination.

"I learned the importance of our Hispanic culture and true values of being one.

"I learned to be proud of being Hispanic and the great opportunities that we have to offer.

"NHI taught me not to depend on others but to be independent and trust in myself.

"I learned leadership skills.

"NHI Big Debate was more than a debate camp; it gave me self-confidence and determination of achieving my personal goals.

"NHI gave me the opportunity to meet students from around Texas schools and I made life-long friends."

Miss Ortiz closed her report by thanking PHCC for the opportunity by helping her attend NHI. We at PHCC believe that youth like Vanessa Ortiz give the community, sometimes untapped, opportunities to develop our youth.