From a young age, I have always had an inherent passion for learning. Whether it was learning through school or learning on my own, the endless amount of information in the world constantly fueled the hunger I had for knowledge. This passion has guided me throughout my life and allowed me to persevere through some of the hardest experiences in my life. It has allowed me to grow, give back, and achieve things that I believed were impossible for someone like me.
I was born in Cusco, Peru, the same city where my parents met and had spent most of their lives. This place was and still is, home to me. At the age of 6, we left everything behind in search of the American dream and a better opportunity for my education. We took what we could fit a …show more content…
There is this unspoken weight on your shoulders to succeed, not only for yourself but your family as well. Predominantly among Hispanic first-generation students, there is also an added pressure to serve as a spokesperson for your race and crush the several stereotypes that may portray us in a negative light. This need and pressure, along with the financial instability that many of us face can have negative effects on both our mental and physical health. I personally have fallen victim to these pressures, resulting in an overwhelming amount of anxiety, depression, and uncertainty. From these lowest points in my life, my true passion for knowledge and my love for learning have allowed me to persevere and overcome these and any challenges that have risen over the years. I understand the difficulties that come with being a first-generation student, which is one of the reasons I became involved with a student organization that helps first-generation students find guidance during the transition period of college. This work has allowed me to meet new students that come from the same situations, and I have been able to give back to my community by mentoring and offering guidance to these students in varying aspects. I believe that it is important for everyone to have an opportunity to better their own lives if they are willing to, despite their financial situation or that of their
I was born in Cusco, Peru, the same city where my parents met and had spent most of their lives. This place was and still is, home to me. At the age of 6, we left everything behind in search of the American dream and a better opportunity for my education. We took what we could fit a …show more content…
There is this unspoken weight on your shoulders to succeed, not only for yourself but your family as well. Predominantly among Hispanic first-generation students, there is also an added pressure to serve as a spokesperson for your race and crush the several stereotypes that may portray us in a negative light. This need and pressure, along with the financial instability that many of us face can have negative effects on both our mental and physical health. I personally have fallen victim to these pressures, resulting in an overwhelming amount of anxiety, depression, and uncertainty. From these lowest points in my life, my true passion for knowledge and my love for learning have allowed me to persevere and overcome these and any challenges that have risen over the years. I understand the difficulties that come with being a first-generation student, which is one of the reasons I became involved with a student organization that helps first-generation students find guidance during the transition period of college. This work has allowed me to meet new students that come from the same situations, and I have been able to give back to my community by mentoring and offering guidance to these students in varying aspects. I believe that it is important for everyone to have an opportunity to better their own lives if they are willing to, despite their financial situation or that of their