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By Roger R. Fernández
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ODYSSEY TO OPPORTUNITY
© 2009 Roger R. Fernández
Smashwords Edition
Also by Roger R. Fernández
To my mother
whose vision and personal sacrifice
made this Odyssey possible
PROLOGUE
My friendship with Roger Fernández dates from the summer of 1987. Since then, we have shared a frank and open relationship which accounts, in part, for me taking on the difficult task of writing the foreword to his autobiography.
What follows is, in essence, the story of a life’s struggle. I will not attempt an assessment of Odyssey to Opportunity. Neither do I wish to expound on the message the book aims to convey. I have reserved these lines to express my admiration for the writer and the course of his life and professional career. The tale I shall allow to speak for itself.
As the chronicle begins, the Spanish Civil War is nearing its climax. From that moment, Roger is caught up in the turbulence of the times. From tending flock in his native region of El Bierzo, he goes on to teach in South Africa, translate for the Cuban State Press Agency in Havana, and travel extensively through Europe and America. Finally, his career culminates in being elected head of the Department of Foreign Languages and Humanities of Los Angeles City College.