Si se puede — it can be done.

Cesar Chavez lived by those words, working hard for what he had and fighting persistently for what he believed was right.

And for that, his legacy is celebrated.

On Thursday, Cesar Chavez Day, classes were not in session for Sacramento State students.

While some took advantage of the free day to relax or catch up on studies, a group of students went to Robert J. Fite Elementary School in Elk Grove to help children understand a little bit about the life of the Mexican-American hero and how they can apply his tireless demeanor to their own lives, particularly in education.

Huddled around sixth-grade teachers Anita Guzman-Turner and Jodi Gutierrez on the playground, about 30 Sac State students carefully listened to the day’s plan.

Students kicked balls, ran, yelled and played, and Sac State students Julio Velazquez and Marc Anthony Rosario joined in for a game of basketball.

Guzman-Turner blew her whistle. “Hold the ball,” she yelled. Students lined up and made their way to the classroom. About 60 sixth graders listened to short memoirs and success stories of making it to college, told by mostly Latino Sac State students, some who were the first in their families to do so.

“A lot of students think they don’t have the qualities they need to go to college,” Guzman-Turner said. “They need to start to realize what Chavez did and succeeded and now that there are plenty of resources out there.”

With that, the Sac State students shared their message.

“Chavez fought for equality and made sure everyone had a chance to succeed, and that’s why we’re here,” said Sac State student Jessica Gomez.

Another Sac State student, Yuri Fernandez said, “You have to know about your own heritage and where you came from and know where you’re going.”

Speaking of Chavez, Velazquez said, “He stood up for what was right. He planted a seed to what we are now, the roots; and that’s why we celebrate.”

Velazquez also talked about working in the fields and learning from his grandmother how tough it is to earn a dollar. He said he now wants to earn money with his mind and pursue law school.

Sac State student Miguel Cervantes said, “It is very important for us to know about Chavez because he fought for human rights. And I want to inform you that you could do whatever.”Sac State students then posed a question to the sixth graders: Why do people in your family go to college?

One student raised her hand, waited to be called on, stood up and politely said, “My sister goes so that she will be able help cats and dogs have babies.”

Another student, also following polite classroom protocol, said, “My grandpa is Iranian and he wants my sister to have a better life.”

Claudia Ochoa agreed. Ochoa is a liberal studies major and wants to be a teacher. She also worked in the fields and said she knows what it is like to live with many obstacles in one’s way.

When she first arrived in the United States, she helped her parents pick peaches in order to help support the family.

“It was really hard,” Ochoa said about her migration to the U.S. at age 12. She didn’t speak English and was lost here, she said. She expected to go straight to work and didn’t even know how to sign up for school.

“Now I’m getting to know myself better. I didn’t think I was smart enough for college,” Ochoa said.

After all the Sac State participants spoke, smaller groups were formed to discuss further the possibilities of a good education.

“You want to have a great education,” Ochoa told a group of three young girls who aspire to be a doctor, an office manager and a rock star.

“And if you don’t, many doors will close,” she said.

“It was really hard to see my parents in the fields,” Ochoa said. “I didn’t want to end up like them. It’s about getting a good job and good education.”

Gutierrez, the instructor, said she was pleased with the day’s activities.

“I think this is a big opportunity for the kids to see about Cesar Chavez and his great ideas,” Gutierrez said. “It’s priceless to have these college students here.”

After lunch, the students reconvened and wrote letters of application to their future middle school as if they were letters for college, Gutierrez said.

The day’s event was a precursor to an assignment for the sixth graders: to thoroughly report on a selected college.

There is also a career fair planned for later this month. Most of all, Guiterrez said, “We want to squash their fears about college so that they can be successful.”

Noeh Hayes, community service coordinator, said that nearly 200 Sac State students went out into various communities throughout the city including Oak Park, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove and downtown.

The American Lung Association, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, California Chamber of Commerce, Capoeira Academy, Mustard Seed School and a barbecue at the Aquatics Center were among the places where students visited.

“They loved it,” Hayes said. “Kids are calling us back for community service.”

Gamaliel Ortiz can be reached at [email protected]