Can you tell us a little about your background with being first generation?
I came from a family that works hard to provide the necessary needs for their children to go to school to succeed. Despite my parents not being able to finish school back then, they value education and do their best to ensure that their children have the education they need in order to be successful.
What does being first generation mean to you?
Being a first generation is a huge responsibility that I have in order to be a role model for my siblings and the next generation of my family. Giving others faith that they can accomplish their education to be successful represents a huge part of life's success for me.
What are some of the strengths and challenges you have faced?
Lack of knowledge is one of the big challenges - for example, having nobody to walk me through the process or give me at least an idea of how college life is going to be. In terms of my strengths, I would say that there are many factors driving me toward my objective, including not just my own desires and ambitions, but also the expectations of others, such as my parents who consider me someone who breaks the cycle of illiteracy.
What did you do to get past feelings of doubt?
I was determined and nervous but in a good manner. I never felt scared. I knew this was for me and an opportunity I had to take in order to achieve a lot of things in my life and enhance my intellectual level, status in the community, and standing in society.
What advice would you give to others in your shoes?
I would say that education is something amazing; it's more than just a piece of paper with your name on it as proof of your accomplishments. It is changing the way you think and the way you act. Whenever you have an opportunity to get an education, please do! It won鈥檛 be useless, fight for it, be self-motivated, and just try. I always encourage myself with the French quote: 鈥淪i tu veux, tu peux鈥� which means if I really want something I surely will find a way to fulfill it.
