Greenville Weather Forecast: Cloudy Morning and Showers Expected
This morning in Greenville started with clouds gracing our skies. As we move into the afternoon, a few showers are anticipated to develop. The highs will hover around 75°F with northeast winds ranging from 10 to 20 mph. There’s about a 30% chance of rain during the day.
As we transition into the night, those early rain showers are set to evolve into a more steady downpour. The overnight lows will dip to around 64°F, with winds shifting to the north-northeast at 10 to 20 mph. The chance of rain overnight jumps significantly to 90%, with rainfall amounting to near half an inch. So, if you have plans this evening, it might be best to pack an umbrella just in case.
José Morales-Martinez: A Beacon of Hope at Berea High School
In the heart of Berea High School, meets José Morales-Martinez, a man who wears many hats—a student advocate and site coordinator for Communities In Schools. His motto, “sí se puede”, meaning “yes, we can”, is more than just words; it’s a driving force he instills in his students every day. José serves not just as a mentor and coach but sometimes fills roles that range from social worker to college advisor.
José’s journey started in Mexico City where he spent his early childhood in a traveling circus. His father showcased talents as an animal tamer, acrobat, and clown, while his mother took care of José, his siblings, and other children in the circus community. At just four years old, José and his family crossed the border, settling in Greenville.
Life wasn’t easy. Sharing a three-bedroom apartment with another family, they often struggled with basic necessities. Rent was tight, and the fear of police and immigration raids loomed large. Despite these hardships, José’s mom taught him the essence of community service by encouraging him to help others, especially those who didn’t speak English.
This sense of community has greatly influenced José’s work today. Apart from his role at Berea High, he is a guiding light for the Hispanic Alliance’s Student DREAMers Alliance, a program focusing on youth leadership development for high school juniors and seniors. This initiative covers a range of topics from public speaking and mental awareness to career and college guidance.
José sees a lot of himself in these students. His experiences resonate deeply with their struggles and aspirations. Reflecting on his own mentors, José speaks highly of those who saw his potential despite his circumstances, giving him the necessary support to thrive.
One life-changing opportunity came through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiated by former President Barack Obama. DACA provided José with temporary legal status, opening doors to opportunities that seemed unreachable before. This status enabled him to attend Furman University, where he was offered a full scholarship, eventually becoming a first-generation college graduate.
Sharing his journey, José hopes to inspire his students to dream bigger and aim higher. “If I came from nothing, with no legal status, grew up poor, and still managed to come up and do all this, so can these kids,” he says. José’s message is clear and empowering: “Yes, it is possible.”
