Our Valley Santa Clarita July/August 2016 | Page 6

DIFFERENCE MAKER

“ I am proof positive in the power of positive thinking .”

Ivonne Peralta-Shimizu

In the 1980 ’ s Peru was a country in turmoil . Terrorist ’ s bombs , union strikes and a strong machismo culture made it almost impossible for a young girl , fresh out of college , to realize her dreams .

Growing up in Lima , Peru , Ivonne Peralta wanted to be a doctor . She was the second of five kids belonging to her Chemical Engineer father and homemaker mother . They were a very compassionate and supportive couple that inspired Ivonne to pursue her dreams , but the environment in Peru just wasn ’ t right for her . She did well in high school and graduated college with a degree in food science .
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When she applied for medical school she was told that , due to the chaotic environment in Peru , it would take twelve years to complete medical school instead of the customary six . Instead of med school , Ivonne went to work in the food industry as a food engineer . She did that for five years . Then , Ivonne ’ s passion for education kicked in again and she decided to pursue a master ’ s degree this time in international business .
While studying , she met a young American who captured her heart . Unfortunately , after a short romance , he moved to Chile . She thought that was the end of the relationship until one day he called on the phone