When I think of the word “Hispanic” or “Latino” I immediately think of hardworking and motivated people; People who change lives- whether you’ve immigrated from another country or you’re the first to graduate high school from your family, the first to start a business, the first to start a family. It means bringing change, and loving your roots, ancestors, and customs. It’s not as simple as celebrating September 15 on an annual basis, it means loving and celebrating your heritage everyday.
Both of my parents are from Mexico; my dad is from the Capital and my mom is from Puebla. I love my Mexican culture with all my being, and I grew to love it even more when I began college. I grew up being the oldest of three siblings; While playing the role of the older sister I often served as a parent figure, at times, when taking care of my siblings. My parents are extremely hardworking people, they both immigrated here at a young age and experienced homelessness for some time. They worked their way into the working middle class. My parents have been professional barbers for over 20 years now, and without their hard work I wouldn’t be the person I am today; They motivate me to keep working diligently to achieve my goals.
I am a first generation student- in fact, I was the first to attend and graduate high school on both sides of my family. Knowing this has always pushed me to do and be my best. My parents were actually never hard on me school-wise, but I was hard on myself because I wanted to be the first one to bring change to our family. This meant endless community service weekends, pulling all-nighters to study, memorizing textbooks, spending my summers taking classes, attending tutoring hours- you name it, I did it. And thanks to all of it, I graduated at the top of my class with six honor stoles, a summa cum laude sash, two medals, congressional and archdiocese recognition, three certificates and more. My parents never wanted me to be number one, all they wanted was for me to have a high school diploma and a college degree in my hand- but I wanted to give them more.
My favorite memory would have to be getting my USC acceptance on my school portal. I remember the day so clearly; It was a Tuesday, March 30, around 3:30 p.m. during the pandemic/lock down. I had just finished school on Zoom for the day, and it was also my mom’s day off from work. I was so anxious because USC was my dream school, and it was the last school I was waiting to hear from. I bugged my mom so much that day with how nervous I was that she fell asleep on the couch. I continued to sit there and refresh the website until I finally got a notification with the update. I called my dad to come home as fast as he could so we could open it together, but I couldn’t wait any longer. I didn’t even read the letter, all I saw was confetti and I screamed my lungs out so loud that my mom woke up. I remember just screaming “I got in! ¡Me aceptaron! ¡Me voy a ir a USC!” She got up so quick and we all kept jumping and screaming, I was crying tears of joy. At that moment my dad walked in the house and immediately knew what happened.. Everyone I knew, knew that USC was my dream school, and the moment I received the letter I knew I was right where I needed to be. I will never forget that moment.
Attending USC, I am a Civil Engineering (Construction Management) major. I always wanted to be a Civil Engineer, there’s no doubt about that. I chose my major because my grandpa worked in construction and I was always fascinated by all of his projects and the architecture behind each building. I was also really good in math and science, so out of my love for construction and STEM, I limited my options to Civil Engineering to build a better and more modern environment for my hometown.
USC is an enormous school, too big to find yourself a community you were comfortable with. During my move-in and welcome week, I was so excited to finally be accepted into this campus, but had no one here to share the feeling with. I attended various cultural and major-related events, and club meetings, but I didn’t fit in anywhere. As the days went on, more and more people seemed to have friend groups while I had no luck finding mine. I experienced horrible imposter syndrome and as much as I tried making friends, none of them stuck by me and the ones that did, I rarely saw because of how busy our schedules were with school. Coming along in the second semester, I decided to rush with Kappa Delta Chi Sorority Inc. where I met so many amazing ladies who motivated me and helped grow. I also joined a folklorico group because I love to dance- specifically to Hispanic music, and I love sharing and expressing my culture. It’s very important to me to share my roots because my culture is what helped me come out of my comfort zone, so I always try to carry it with me everywhere I go or incorporate it in what I do.
I have a lot of things I am passionate about but the number one on my list will always be my family. Without the endless hard work, bravery, and dedication my parents put into their future I wouldn’t be where I am today. Without my parents’ 12-hour and late-night work shifts I wouldn’t have a roof over my head. Without my parents’ support I wouldn’t have pushed myself to be the outstanding student that I am. Without my family’s love I wouldn’t have found the motivation to do things I do today. I value my family so much and I am truly grateful for them; I take them into consideration in everything I do because without them, I don’t know where I’d be.
I am no longer the same person; I can speak in public without being so scared, participate in class without being embarrassed, go out, attend social events, and have fun. Everything I do is not only for a better future for myself but for a better future for them, too.
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