No matter the generation, Hillary support runs deep in the Challinor-Mendez family.
Kathy Challinor-Mendez is a wife, student, and mother with a lifelong passion for education. Her enthusiasm for teaching and realizing others’ potential began with her own love of learning.
“I love math, I love being involved with other people, and helping support other people. I’ve always felt in love with learning and I feel like other kids should feel that as well.”
But Kathy’s journey through school and in the classroom did not follow an easy path.
“I graduated high school and discovered I was pregnant. So, I decided it was best for me to put school on hold, have my baby, and go back to school when I was ready.”
For Kathy, getting an education is much bigger than a diploma. She wants to break down barriers, especially for her four year-old daughter.
“I feel like since I was a young mom and had a baby at a young age, I have to go back to school and become a teacher to show other young women it’s okay and that they’re not alone — that it is possible to keep going forward and not become a statistic.”
Kathy wants all young women to realize their potential and that’s why she supports Hillary.
“Hillary really seems to care about us….because she actually looks at us and sees potential with the younger generations. This is the first election I will be voting in and I feel confident putting my vote towards her.”
The support for Hillary Clinton in the Mendez family goes beyond Kathy. Her mother, Maria and grandmother, Maurillia also feel strongly about Hillary’s candidacy.
Maurillia Mendez came to the United States from a small town in Michoacán, Mexico.
“We used to own land and harvest crops. Eventually, all of my sons immigrated to the U.S. because they couldn’t find work.”
Maurillia and her husband eventually decided to immigrate as well, to keep their family together. Although she cannot vote, Maurillia supports Hillary because she can ensure a brighter future for her children and grandchildren.
“Even though I can’t vote, I support Hillary because she is someone who will make sure that [all] children get a good education no matter where they come from or what their economic status is.”
