Photo: EDUARDO TAMEZ came from Mexico to Drake to study journalism after being inspired by his famous mother, a journalist, former celebrity talk show host and political candidate. (SARAH ANDREWS | Photo/Design Editor)
Eight months ago, first-year Eduardo Tamez packed his entire life in a box and traveled 1,166 miles to Drake University.
Born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Tamez left home for the first time in August. He knew the United States would provide opportunities his mother country could not.
“My mom always instilled in my sisters and I the want to study abroad to receive a first-class education,” Tamez said. “There are good universities in Mexico, really, but you can just get a better education here.”
In Mexico, his mother is famous. Throughout her 30-year career, she held three prominent occupations as the host of a radio show, a late night celebrity talk show and a nightly news program.
“She even ran for governor in my state this past summer, but she didn’t win,” Tamez said.
Tamez was inspired to strive for success after observing the determination and attitude of his mother.
“It’s really unbelievable how much she has done for us,” Tamez said. “She’s taught me how determined and passionate you should be.”
Tamez sees himself as a future sports writer, producing articles and columns daily that revolves around the love of his life.
“I love basketball; you don’t even know,” Tamez said.
After graduation, the journalistic road is likely to lead Tamez to Texas, where his aunt and uncle live. Although his mother is a journalism pro, she did not initially approve of Tamez’s intended career path.
“My mom did not want me to be a journalist. She always tells me that journalism is an ungrateful profession,” Tamez said.
However, his sports dream may soon be cut short. Without more financial aid, Tamez will most likely return to Mexico next semester due to high tuition costs and vast differences between the dollar and the peso.
Associate professor of journalism Lee Jolliffe is both Tamez’s academic advisor and educator. Jolliffe has made it her personal goal to keep Tamez here at Drake by researching scholarships, keeping in communication with the financial aid office and e-mailing local journalists for sponsorships.
“I stepped out for Tamez because not only is he an excellent student, but a person of good character,” Jolliffe said. “It is important to me that we do everything we can to keep Tamez, and people like him, here with us.”
Jolliffe believes international students like Tamez are vital to the excellent atmosphere on Drake’s campus.
“International students are important to us,” Jolliffe said. “They bring even more and new cultural perspectives to campus.”
Tamez attended the American School Foundation of Monterrey, which taught all classes in English. This early fostering of English and the close proximity of Monterrey to the United States’ border allowed Tamez to adapt to the American language and culture easily. This is not a privilege all international students have.
Although the language barrier is not present, Tamez still feels a separation from his American counterparts.
“My family is very unique; we’re passionate, emotional, loud,” Tamez said. “You would have to be there to understand, but I know that our family is not common. It is just a completely different dynamic.”
At 10 months old, Tamez’s parents separated, leaving his mother the sole provider for him and his two sisters. His grandmother and grandfather also lived with the family, creating the unique dynamic Tamez feels is only found in Mexico.
“My grandfather was the wisest person I have ever known. He was always calm, and he never judged anyone,” Tamez said.
At the end of seventh grade, his grandfather passed away. Tamez and his sister then moved in with his grandmother, who was suffering from both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
“It was a really tough situation watching her deteriorate,” Tamez said. “Sometimes you just have to make the most out of situations.”
Tamez’s time spent in America now is the most important to him no matter what the future may hold. He is ready to make the most of any situation that faces him.
If he is still a Drake student in the fall, Tamez plans to continue his career and possibly even add another concentration. Tamez envisions living out his basketball dream as a member of the Drake men’s starting lineup.
“I actually talked to the coach here in the beginning of the year, but the team was full,” Tamez said. “That would be an incredible dream come true if I could play Division I ball here.”
Hopefully, the next time Tamez packs his box, the distance will not be far from Des Moines. And maybe a pair of basketball shoes will even be included.
Eduardo has applied to the University of Texas at Austin and to the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City for next year as well. Depending on the financial aid packages granted, he will decide whether Des Moines will be his home, or another city for the duration of his college career.
