A few days ago I was talking to a friend of mine that I’ve known for years in youth ministry. When she was in her teens, working was a priority over college. Over time she realized that she was not getting anywhere, so she decided return to school. She told me: “Now I realize the importance of an education and I know where I want to go. I am more inspired. I have goals and I know I will achieve them.”

It was inspiring and refreshing to feel the energy and inspiration she was talking about, especially considering that Hispanics are known to be lagging far behind other groups in education. But my friend’s story is one of many.

The Pew Hispanic Center just released data showing that the Hispanic community is starting to close the gap in education attainment. In October of 2010 Hispanic college enrollment jumped to an all-time high, where 32% of Hispanic 18-24 were pursuing a higher education. The report also showed that 15% of young adults in 2 or 4-year colleges were Hispanic, which represents closely the Hispanics’ share of the US population.

These findings show how far we have come as a community, but it also challenges us to not stop there. Hispanic families have always valued education but navigating the college enrollment, federal aid and scholarship applications is not easy.

If you are part of these statistics and one of the young Hispanics in college I congratulate you and congratulate your family for the commitment. But getting in is usually the easy part, coming through and completing a degree is the true challenge.

I invite you today to challenge yourself and to commit to finishing your college studies, to find the resources necessary, to talk to the right people and to do everything in your power to succeed.

There are lots of resources out there to help young Hispanics get to college and the most recent high enrollments reflect that. But the new challenge for students is to finish and be successful people in their fields. What this challenge means for students is committing wholeheartedly to education. Finding those people who inspire them, be it their parents, their teachers or other role models. So much effort has gone into getting into college, they should not stop now.

If you have been able to finish college and have started your professional career, share with those who come behind you. Share your experience and inspire others to do the same. Helping others is what makes most people successful.

My friend is very excited to pick her classes and continue her journey towards a successful career. And I challenged her to commit fully and not to let anything stop her. Now will you do the same? Is it a worthwhile effort? She certainly thinks so!