Breaking Through

During his junior year of high school, Francisco meets a classmate named Paul Takagi, who becomes his closest friend. The son of a missionary, Paul is a gentle, intelligent, self-motivated individual who mirrors many of Francisco’s own qualities. The author notes that Paul’s mind “[...] was as sharp as Papa’s” (136). The pair study together every day, and Paul, who plans to run for school treasurer, encourages Francisco to run for student-body president. He explains to Francisco that extracurricular activities are beneficial when colleges are considering applicants.

Eventually, Francisco becomes involved in student government out of a desire to raise the social status of his community of Mexican field laborers. He meets a childhood friend from Bonetti Ranch, Manuelito Martinez, when considering whether he will have the extra time in his schedule to become involved with student government while keeping up with schoolwork and working numerous hours per week. Manuelito encourages not to consider running, but to “Do it. Everyone in Bonetti Ranch will be proud” (139). Paul helps by putting up campaign posters at the school while Francisco works. Francisco is chagrined to find that his opponent is George Harshbarger, who had volunteered his guitar accompaniment and singing advice when the author had performed at the Junior Scandals.