On September 20, 1988, Lauro Cavazos became the first Hispanic in 
the history of the United States to be appointed to the Cabinet, when 
then–vice president George H. W. Bush swore him in as secretary of 
education. Cavazos, born on the legendary King Ranch in South 
Texas and educated in a two-room ranch schoolhouse, served until 
December 1990, after which he returned to his career in medical 
education and academic administration.

    In this engaging memoir, he recounts not only his years in 
Washington but also the childhood influences and life experiences 
that informed his policies in office. The ranch, he says, taught him 
how to live.

    These pages are full of glimpses into life on the famous ranch. 
Cavazos tells of Christmas parties, cattle work, and schooling. In his 
home, he was introduced to a natural bilingualism: he and his siblings 
were encouraged to speak only English with their father and only 
Spanish with their mother.

    Cavazos describes the high educational expectations his parents 
held. After service in World War II, Cavazos went to college and 
earned a doctorate from Iowa State University, launching him on to a 
career in medical education. In 1980 he returned to his alma mater, 
Texas Tech University, as its tenth president—the first Hispanic and 
the first graduate of the university to serve in that post.

    As secretary of education, Cavazos stressed a commitment to 
reading. Indeed, he once told a group of educators that the curriculum 
for the first three years of school should be "reading, reading, and 
more reading."

    His career is as interesting as it is inspiring, and Cavazos' memoir 
joins the ranks of emerging success stories by Mexican Americans 
that will provide models for aspiring young people today.

_________________________________________________________

LAURO F. CAVAZOS is currently a professor in the department of 
public health and family medicine at Tufts University School of 
Medicine and previously served as its dean. He lives in Concord, 
Massachusetts.


Perspectives on South Texas, sponsored by Texas A&M 
University–Kingsville


What people are saying about this book

"It is a narrative with adventure, unanticipated turns, and almost 
unbelievable accomplishments . . . It is the story of a person who is 
a role model for us all . . ."—Arnoldo De León

"This book is a unique and powerful retelling of the American Dream. 
It is poignant, informative, thought provoking, and exciting to read. 
It reminds us again that in America caring, competence, and hard 
work—the best of human nature—can overcome evil and 
injustice—the worst in human nature. This book will resonate deeply 
with the lives of many Americans, and should be meaningful and 
important to all. And once again, the  ability of education to open 
the doors of opportunity is highlighted. The life and contributions of 
Lauro Cavazos should be an inspiration to all."—James P. Comer, 
Maurice Falk Professor

". . .  a loving and powerful tribute to the spirit of a legendary group 
of men and women. Cavazos' memoir offers readers a shining 
example of the power of diligence, pride, and personal responsibility 
to overcome narrow-mindedness and bigotry."—Jorge Iber, Texas 
Tech University, author of Hispanics in the Mormon Zion

". . . very much an inspiration to read and tells a unique story . . . that 
needs to be told, to serve as a model and inspiration to young people 
today."—David Murrah, Vice President of Southwest Museum 
Services