Reaching Out

This section begins with a final crisis: the burning down of the Jiménez family’s home. This closes the cycle of tragedies suffered by Frank and his family and community during the course of the book. The book balances these tragedies with events that demonstrate the charity and goodwill of human beings, thus presenting a realistic picture of life.

After the fire, Trampita writes a poem describing how the ranch barracks used to be a cause of “shame” for him, and how he now looks back on them fondly. It is hinted that moving to a new home may turn out to be providential, as it is more comfortable and convenient.

Toward the end of his college career, Frank’s world expands to embrace political activism. He becomes involved in Latino civil rights activist César Chávez’ movement to found a union for migrants. Frank hopes to better the lives of other poor people like himself and his family. Interestingly, not all of Frank’s family agrees that the cause is wise: Frank’s mother fears that the movement will cause unwanted retaliation of growers against poor workers. This illustrates the truth that not everyone in a particular group thinks exactly alike.

The chapter title “Solidarity” recalls Sodality, the fraternal organization Frank joined at college. This suggests that the values Frank is forming in college are beginning to influence his actions on the larger stage of life. So strong is his conviction that Frank willingly misses philosophy class on the day of the march and thus—with the understanding of his professor—puts his grade in jeopardy. Frank experiences another brush with racism during the march when a motorist yells “Go back to Mexico!” to the demonstrators; although Frank is angered by this, his anger is swallowed up in the victory of the cause (169).

The final chapter presents a mixture of joy and bittersweet sorrow as Frank says goodbye to his friends and family as he graduates from college. The closeness of the Jiménez family is most apparent here as they embrace and give Frank gifts. Frank’s father is conspicuous for his absence, but Frank is reminded of his father’s kindness by seeing his mother use a white handkerchief that his father gave her for Christmas.

The chapter title “Commencement” conveys a double meaning: It refers both to Frank’s graduation from college and also a new beginning. Reaching Out is part of a series of memoirs by Francisco Jiménez, and we are left with a sense that the story will continue. The book ends with a mixture of happiness, sadness, and hope as Frank moves on to the next stage of his life. His experiences in college awakened his pride in his Hispanic heritage and an interest in Spanish literature that he will likely carry forward in his career as a teacher.