Girls Don’t Go to School: Uncovering the Schooling Experiences of a Tejana Growing Up on the Westside of San Antonio

This study is a life history of the schooling experiences of a Tejana who grew up on the Westside of San Antonio. Through testimonios, she shares her triumphs and tribulations with navigating the educational system. The qualitative research conducted in this life history approach highlights the importance of documenting these stories to preserve them for generations to come. Findings from this project note the underpinnings of family history and early literacy practices, the path individuals take to overcoming roadblocks, and ultimately the story of survival and how individuals move past the history of oppressive practices that once marginalized them in school. This life history research project will inform researchers about the importance of preserving family history and learning from it. This counternarrative demonstrates the significance of learning about family history and schooling experiences.