FULLERTON : Acting on Ways to Boost Their Self-Esteem

Alejandra Torres used to think “really bad” about herself until she began taking drama classes from a neighbor who created an acting troupe this summer for the poor children of Truslow Avenue.

The 12-year-old was low on self-esteem, which affected her studies and attitude toward life in general.

“I was mean because I didn’t like myself and I thought no one else liked me,” she said.

But after a few classes with Javier A. Cortez, the creator of the acting program, her outlook brightened.

“Now I think we should like ourselves for who we are, because if you like yourself, you like the world and anything can happen if you just try,” said the sixth-grader at Laguna Road Elementary School.

Alejandra and about a dozen other neighborhood children meet Cortez twice a week at a local park to rehearse skits written, directed and produced by Cortez, who also co-founded the Chicano Poet Society.

The young actors this week performed “Homeboys Are People Too” and “Super Chicana” at Cal State Fullerton. Those skits tell the stories of a gang member who tries to turn his life around and a wife who learns to stand up against abuse.

Each play teaches valuable lessons on self-worth, dignity and pride, the actors said.

“I’m learning not to take drugs, to defend myself and never let myself get beaten,” said Jeanette Salgado, 12. “I’m learning to speak up for myself and not be afraid.”

Added Anni Quintero, 10: “I feel good when I’m on the stage.”

Valentin Casares, 15, said being in the program has boosted his desire to excel in school.

“Last year, I got Cs and Ds. Now I’m back in school and I’m getting straight Bs,” the Fullerton High School sophomore said. “I was always afraid to ask for help but if I need it now, I just go and ask for it.”

Cortez said he is trying to instill self-determination and courage “to do the right thing” in the youths.

“When you’re young, you need a lot of praise and encouragement,” said Cortez, 26, who is a park director for Anaheim’s Kids in Action Program. “These kids get put down because they’re Latino and poor and they need self-confidence to express themselves and be proud through positive avenues like the arts.”