St. Joan Antida High School

On January 31^st, the first Latina to serve in the state Legislature, Jocasta Zamarripa, met with the AP US Government class, leading one of Saint Joan Antida High School’s Leadership Luncheons. This cordial woman is a very proud Latina, a community leader, and a Saint Joan Antida Alumna—class of 1994.

Introductions began with Zamarripa and continued around the table. “I remember sitting in my black and white uniform not too long ago. I was a very shy and introverted student. My grades were not the best, I was in fact, a very average student,” Zamarripa announced.  “But look at you today,” responded an optimistic upperclasswoman.

The names and intended career paths of future biomedical engineers, lawyers, librarians, and psychologists were shared with the Assembly woman. Through an interactive forum, students had to opportunity to ask various questions that explored Zamarripa’s inclination for politics, her capacity for effective community organizing and her passion for increasing Latino voter turnout. “With every voter that comes out to vote, my community gets more respect and more resources,” Zamarripa said. Seemingly her aunt is accredited for planting the seeds of activist within her being—seeds that were also nourished within the walls of Saint Joan Antida.

“If I were to give you some advice that you can walk away with today, I would urge you to continue with your college education and get that done right after high school,” Zamarripa shared as she continued to tell us that she finally returned to finish her university degree as an adult.

Between bites of lunch, Zamarripa’s humanity, accessibility and courageous attitude really made an impression on the current SJA students, teachers and staff. Time flew by, and before you knew it, the same students that got invited to visit Jocasta Zamarripa at the state capital in Madison, had to get back to their classes. Zamarripa went on a brief tour of the school as she pointed out what parts have changed since she walked the same hallways. She also found her senior picture hanging on our walls and was able to connect with a few sisters who remembered her!

Before leaving, Zamarripa emphasized the following point, “Please let the young women know that there is no direct way into politics. You don’t necessarily have to major in law; you just have to be passionate about creating the changes that you want to see happen for your community.”

We thank Jocasta Zamarripa for visiting our school—we are very proud of what she is doing, and she is equally as proud of having graduated from Saint Joan Antida. One thing is very clear—SJA students indeed lead, thrive and inspire!