Doctor Frank Marquez’s father did whatever he needed to do to ensure not only his family’s survival but his children’s success. For Gustavo Marquez that meant delivering pizzas, selling encyclopedias door-to-door and lately, driving an MTA bus. It’s been a humbling experience for the former sociology professor from El Salvador’s national university. But like many educated Salvadoran refugees who fled their country’s violence in the 1980’s, it was the only way to make a living. Frank says his father’s hard work and his commitment to his children’s education has paid off.
Frank is now a third-year medical student at USC. His brothers and sister all have or are working towards degrees from four-year universities. “My parent’s example have given me the work ethic I have now. As young people we don’t understand sacrifice. It takes strong parents to show you how to put yourself out there and ride it out.” (Note 1)
I had dinner with Frank the other day and I told him that we need more role models like him in our community. Frank is 31 years old and is focused on using his education/training for those less fortunate. He has been to the poorest areas in El Salvador helping heal our people.
