Massachusetts State Representative Jose Tosado spent the morning of August 18 with 25 Mexican exchange students who were studying English at Western New England University this summer. Tosado, a former Springfield city council president, provided the students with a lesson in how American state government works, and how the political process at local, state, and national levels can differ greatly. The students asked Tosado many questions about the path he took from a Hispanic family to his distinguished success as a state representative. Tosado described the long and rich history of the Hispanic community in the city of Springfield and shared personal stories of his family’s journey.
The 25 Mexican students arrived to western Massachusetts under the support of the U.S. Department of State 100,000 Strong in the Americas, and the complementary Mexican Ministry of Education Proyecta 100,000 initiatives. The student group included undergraduate and graduate students along with several English professors from Mexican universities, all looking to improve their knowledge and command of the English language and culture.
