Education secretary nominee Miguel Cardona references 'Flor Palida' in his first speech

I could not be prouder of my roots and I definitely can relate to education secretary nominee Miguel Cardona's first speech. We have a few things in common.

Miguel Cardona is a native from Meriden, CT of Puerto Rican descent whose grandparents were from Aguada, Puerto Rico. In his prime age of 45, currently Connecticut’s education commissioner was educated in Meriden up until high school and then attended college in Connecticut being the first in his family to graduate from college.

Mr. Cardona presented his first speech during a press conference in Wilmington, Delaware after President elect Joe Biden's introduction and presented his education secretary nominee. It was clear what Mr. Cardona's top priority is to be an asset in addressing educational gaps due to school closures during Covid-19.

“For too many students, public education in America has been a ‘flor pálida,’ a wilted rose neglected and in need of care,” stated Cardona. “We must be the master gardeners who cultivate it, who work every day to preserve its beauty and its purpose.” To mention, Cardona's reference to ‘flor pálida’ in education, “Flor Pálida” is the title to salsa artist Marc Anthony's single and is Mr. Cardona's idol who he hopes to meet one day.

And the cream of the crop, he (we) is (are) “... as American as apple pie and rice and beans,” as Mr, Cardona clearly stated.

If confirmed by the Senate, Mr. Cardona would replace Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

On behalf of myself and my family our sincerest congratulations to Miguel Cardona's nomination. He is from my hometown, our parents are from Puerto Rico, and my grandparents are also from Aguada - my grandma seeked a better future outside of the island by moving to Meriden, CT. I was fortunate to have a great education in Meriden and then college in the state... 

And lastly, Marc Anthony who I have referred to for many years as mi flaco querido is my favorite salsa artist since we met back in the early 1990s. And yes, we know Mr, Cardona's family. Furthermore, I have an uncle, Sergeant William T. Cardona, who is probably tied to the Cardona family in some way.

Listen to Miguel Cardona's inspiring speech here. And of course listen to Marc Anthony's beautiful song “Flor Pálida” here.