Alberto Gonzales grew up in a two-bedroom home with seven brothers and sisters. He had no telephone until junior high school. The home had no running hot water for the entire time he lived there. His mother picked cotton. His father didn't advance beyond second grade. But those circumstances did not stunt his future.
Gonzales graduated from Harvard Law School, served as a judge on the Texas Supreme Court and became the 80th U.S. Attorney General, serving from 2005-2007.
"[My mother] never dreamed of this miracle; that I would take her from the cotton field to the Oval Office. That is the American story, and that is God's grace," Gonzales said while speaking at the Kiwanis luncheon Tuesday.
Gonzales was one of nearly 300 people in the Chattanooga Choo Choo Imperial Ballroom for the 3rd Annual One Child at a Time Luncheon hosted by the Brainerd Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga.
Gonzales attributed his success to sacrifices his parents made for him, choices that he made which positioned him for achievement and people who positively influenced him.
No one encouraged him to attend college when he was younger. He wanted to be a professional baseball player like Willie Mays. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Air Force, where Air Force graduates pushed him toward college.
He had no idea he would eventually graduate from Harvard Law School, become a partner in a law firm and later advise a governor or president. And now he is a distinguished professor of law at Belmont University College of Law in Nashville.
"You never know how a chance encounter or a relationship influences another person, particularly a child," Gonzales said. "We should be sensitive to the many opportunities to influence others in a positive way. You may only have one shot at it."
Jed Mescon, WRCB-TV co-anchor, who moderated the event, commended Gonzales on his message.
"Two things I take back from your speech today," Mescon said from the podium. "Be sensitive to the lives of others and most importantly, take a risk on yourself."
Contributions from the annual luncheon fund projects to help local youths such as the Kiwanis' Christmas party for foster children. The party provides gifts for about 40 children. The club also purchased gifts for some children at Woodmore Elementary School, according to Ginny Young, a Kiwanis Club member.
"This is about children with the Kiwanis Club," she said. "Every penny goes back to children."
Contact staff writer Yolanda Putman at yputman@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6431.