CORPUS CHRISTI, Tx \u2014 Students at West Oso Junior High gained a deeper appreciation for their community after watching “Molina: Hardships, Traditions, and Resilience,” a documentary about their neighborhood’s history.<\/p>\n
The film, which premiered in October, explores the Molina neighborhood’s past, including struggles with racial segregation and poverty, while highlighting how residents created strong family bonds within the community.<\/p>\n
West Oso students discover neighborhood pride through Molina documentary<\/p>\n
“I really wanna tell everyone I know to watch it because there’s really good history of what happened in Molina,” said Mireyna Palomo, student council president.<\/p>\n
Palomo was struck by the neighborhood’s transformation over time.<\/p>\n
“It went from nothing and it came to something. A whole community that everyone knows,” Palomo said.<\/p>\n
She noted that the close-knit community spirit continues today.<\/p>\n
“Everybody in the community basically knows each other,” Palomo said.<\/p>\n
Stephen Fillmore, who teaches and coaches at the school, was featured in the documentary. He said students recognized him during the screening.<\/p>\n
“When they seen me they all kinda turned around and looked back at me so that was kinda funny,” Fillmore said.<\/p>\n
While the Westside is often viewed as the most economically challenged part of town, Fillmore believes this motivates his students.<\/p>\n
“They know where they come from, and they know they have to work a little harder,” Fillmore said.<\/p>\n
Teacher Krystle Barboza said the documentary provided valuable insights for staff members as well.<\/p>\n
“When you know where your students come from, it just helps you as a teacher,” Barboza said.<\/p>\n
She emphasized the importance of representation for students.<\/p>\n
“I can tell right away they were like, ‘Oh my God that’s my street’ you know,” Barboza said.<\/p>\n
When asked about Molina being called the heart of Corpus Christi, Barboza reflected on the community’s values.<\/p>\n
“West Oso is and always will be about tradition, legacy, and family,” Barboza said.<\/p>\n
Educators say the documentary’s purpose is to pass Molina’s history to the next generation, ensuring it’s never forgotten.<\/p>\n
“This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.”<\/p>\n
For the latest local news updates, click here<\/a>, or download the KRIS 6 News App.<\/a><\/p>\n