Author and Chairman of the Mi Barrio Foundation Robert Renteria shared additional tips on what he believes would improve the quality of life for youth across the country.

Politics
I think politicians need to use their platform to lift our kids out of the barrios and ghetto…truly help our kids and not be concerned with their own positions or their own agenda. It is a vicious cycle and we are living in a serious time where more and more people are losing their jobs, their homes, and ultimately their faith. We need to urge our politicians to really put in place legislation that helps our youth stay on track. We can’t keep kids in a box. We need to pay more attention to their needs instead of shuffling them through the system like cattle.

Goals
What enabled me to break free from the ‘barrio,’ was really my desire for something bigger than me. I always had a curiosity. I always admired people who were well-educated, so I learned from them. Although I exercised poor judgment, I knew there was something more for me. And that is what I want youth to realize. This book is a roadmap to help others avoid the detours I took in my life and help them make better choices. Hopefully, with the help of non-profit organizations, we can create more programs and get these kids sharing their stories on a national level.

Secrets to Success
The three secrets of success are hard work, dedication, and education. I believe Walt Disney said, ‘if you see it, you can be it.’ It is that simple. You have to paint a picture of where you want to be in life and go out there and work has hard as you can to catch it. Nothing in life comes easy. That is what I had to learn early on. If you want to be successful, you have to devote yourself to that dream and work hard. But nothing is out of reach. And the next time someone tells you, you aren’t going to amount to anything, you look them in the eye and say, ‘yes I am and yes I can,’ because we are all champions. We all have hopes and dreams. Don’t be afraid to share those dreams and don’t be afraid to ask for help because there are some good people out there who want to make a difference.

If you would like to learn more about Robert Renteria’s ‘From the Barrio to the Boardroom,’ visit www.fromthebarrio.com.