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Ivy League Author To Speak In Bridgeport On Growing Up Poor In Border Town

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- The public is invited to attend a writing workshop led by an acclaimed author who grew up in poverty in a border town near Mexico then went on to an Ivy League education. 

Hear Ivy League educated author Sergio Troncoso talk about his book, a compilation of "rags to riches" essays based on his own life Thursday morning, March 30 at Housatonic Community College.

Hear Ivy League educated author Sergio Troncoso talk about his book, a compilation of "rags to riches" essays based on his own life Thursday morning, March 30 at Housatonic Community College.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The event will be Thursday, March 30 at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport.

Sergio Troncoso wrote "Crossing Border," which is a compilation of rags-to-riches essays. It is the featured book in One Book, One College at HCC. The workshop, "Writing To, From, and Through Borders: A Latino Voice" will be followed by an author talk and book signing. There will also be a reception with Troncoso the same evening.

His essays are authentic and heart-wrenching in his account of growing up dirt poor on the Mexican-American border of El Paso, Texas. 

Troncoso personal essays detail an incredible journey of overcoming the obstacles of language barriers, overwhelming alienation, and dismal economic conditions. 

He maps out his ascension step-by-step into the Ivy League world of Yale and Harvard.

Lutris says this year’s selection “Crossing Borders is a good fit for students, because of its relevant themes," said One Book, One college creator HCC Librarian Jennifer Lutris.

“One tremendous benefit for students is that Troncoso’s literary work creates space for thoughtful discussions, and a shared reading experience campus-wide. Troncoso is a dynamic speaker with a message of empowerment," said HCC Librarian Peter Everett.

As a writer, Troncoso struggled with his craft in Texas and New York, but eventually found a way to tell his stories. 

His real account of making lemonade from lemons, proves if he can do it anyone can. 

This son of Mexican immigrants, who started out in seemingly hopeless poverty, managed with the support of his family and the constant urging of his parents, to became an avid reader and magna cum laude graduate of Harvard College. 

He went on to earn two graduate degrees in international relations and philosophy from Yale University. 

Upon winning a Fulbright Scholarship to Mexico, Troncoso studied economics, politics, and literature.

The writing workshop is at  9:30 a.m. The author talk and book signing is at 12:30 p.m. A reception will be at 5 p.m. The events will take place in Beacon Hall, Room 134, 875 Broad St., Bridgeport. Free parking is available.

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