Moments | Alberto J. Maldonado - Making Mom Proud

Our relationship with our parents evolves over time. We go from needing them to survive, to wanting them to leave us alone, and finally to appreciating, loving, and caring for them. Like many kids his age, Alberto Maldonado was known to stir up a little trouble in his middle school years. This aloof behavior came to a head one day when his mother received notice of his unacceptable actions in the classroom. Her reaction was strong, emotional, and, for Alberto, a lasting memory. At this moment, he realized that he never wanted his mother to feel this way as a result of something he did ever again. From that point forward, Alberto began to change his behavior, wanting to trade his mother's disappointment for pride. Ultimately, Alberto received his Master's Degree from UW-Milwaukee and has gone on to lead the university's Roberto Hernandez Center, a group on a mission to serve Latinx students and the Latinx population of Southeastern Wisconsin.