In 1937, my mother purchased a set of books from a traveling salesperson in a small town in California, where she was raising her family. Those books were passed from brother to brother and sister to sister over the years, and each of us eventually found our way into their pages. This was long before the internet, long before iPhones, and long before the modern technology we take for granted today.
For me, those books became more valuable than gold. They introduced me to literature I would never have encountered otherwise. The set contained ten volumes—fairy tales, classical stories, and imaginative worlds that became my television and my internet. They sparked my curiosity, stirred my imagination, and planted the seeds of a lifelong love of learning. I still have four of those original volumes today.
As I grew older, that early exposure expanded into a deep desire to explore literature more broadly. My reading journey carried me into philosophy, Greek and Roman history, Western civilization, geography, Spanish history, and eventually into a profound longing to understand my own Indigenous heritage.
Unlike the Greeks, who developed the written alphabet, my Indigenous ancestors left no books behind. What survives today are translations of hieroglyphic codices interpreted by Spanish friars who struggled to understand a culture entirely new to them. I was raised within an Indigenous oral tradition—rich, meaningful, and powerful—but without written records to cross-reference with other Indigenous societies, my search for my roots has been long and challenging.
This continent existed in cultural and intellectual isolation for thousands of years, developing its own systems of knowledge, symbols, and stories. That history continues to inspire me. Today, I am an avid reader who seeks out books from cultures across the world, always striving to understand this complex experience we call the human condition. That passion has taught me much about our Hispanic heritage and how it connects to Western civilization—how our Spanish ancestors were shaped by the Greeks, the Romans, and the many peoples of Iberia.
Because of this lifelong journey, I am deeply honored and excited to serve as the Vice President of Programs and Education in 2026. I look forward to bringing our members meaningful dialogue on literature—fiction, nonfiction, and historical fiction—through our book club and through this blog, where I hope to share reflections and reviews throughout the year.
I also look forward to our monthly gatherings with book club participants, where we can explore ideas old and new, discover works that enrich our understanding, and build community through shared reading. It will be a joy to introduce you to the books that have shaped me, and to learn from the books that inspire you.


--Cynthia Rodriguez, V.P. Programs and Education 

Every parent knows how quickly the years go by. Before we know it, we will be at the end of our journey. I wonder if I will be satisfied with the amount I've gathered for my family genealogy by then Not just for me, but for my posterity. Currently, I am not. As with most people, work, school, and life in general get in the way of our research. I know I have a lot to do and I plan to continue my genealogy research when I'm done with school in a few months. I also know I need to review the research I've done and what others have done on my tree to ensure accuracy. 

My concern is this, I know tomorrow is never promised. Who will take over my genealogy for me? In the past 5 years, I have lost my father, all 3 of his brothers, and my significant other of 40 years, who was the father of my daughters, as well as 3 other family members. With my father and uncles, I had so many questions to ask about my family that I needed answers to. Luckily, I have 2 aunts that have most of the information I need as well as photos, but it would be nice to get different perspectives. With my significant other's death, I question other aspects of my life, one of them being if I should continue with my genealogy considering that my children don't seem interested in researching; however, my oldest daughter, 36, has been interested in our heritage and has begun asking my mom and aunt questions about their family and background, so I have hope that my work will not be in vain.

How much research have I done, you ask? Not much. I began searching when I was 16, although, I had practically nothing to go on. My illiterate grandfather threw away all the family records after my grandmother died when my mom was 12; names, addresses, birthdates, deaths, so my aunt lost track of their mom's family. Little is known about my maternal grandfather's family, except he was an orphan, had a sister and a daughter, but names are unknown. My paternal grandfather was a product of the Mexican Revolution and given away to his mom's sibling because the couple couldn't have children, or so the story goes. I do not have the name of the bio mom. 

My research took off 40 years later when I decided to go to the Central Library downtown and borrow some books about Hispanic research, surprised to find out it even existed. At the same time, I decided to go to the Family History Library in West LA to get some help. One of the research helpers there saw my books and pointed out that one of the authors would be giving a lecture on Wednesday on Hispanic research, of course, I attended. I learned so much in that hour from John Schmal than I had the previous 40 years. John then introduced me to Donie Nelson, who introduced me to the Genealogical Society of Hispanic America. In one year, I was able to find my maternal grandmother's birth and death certificates as well my great grandparents' information and was able to go back to the 1800's in a short amount of time. I was also able to go back to my paternal grandmother's to about the 1700's. 

I will always be grateful for John and Donie kickstarting my genealogy spurt. My New Year's resolution is to focus on my research a little more before time slips away from me. My wish for you is to find a connection with someone who will guide you in the right direction of your research.

Happy Trails to you! Until we meet again.

-Isabel