I will soon be the first person in my immediate and extended family to graduate from a university with a bachelor’s degree. As a first generation student, navigating the educational system has not been easy.
I have had to overcome much adversity to be where I am today. Due to a lack of resources and money, my parents were unable to obtain an education in their home country, Mexico. They often share with me that they wish they had had the opportunities that I am now blessed with. Both of them have worked extremely hard so that I can be where I am today. I am extremely grateful for their support and encouragement while being here at the University of Portland.
I still recall when I first came to the University of Portland — I did not feel welcomed. The University lacks diversity of students and professors and, therefore, I often found myself unable to relate to my professors’ and classmates’ educational experiences. It was difficult for me to find people willing to help me in my educational journey.
But I sought assistance from professors, and they were able to connect me with other staff and faculty at the University of Portland who have supported me, and I am grateful for that, too.
Now, only a week away from graduation, I look back and reflect upon all the challenges I have overcome and the opportunities I have been blessed with, and realize I could not have done this all by myself.
While here, I have grown so much as a person and a learner. I have been able to build resilience and not let people bring me down. Throughout my educational journey, I have had people walk beside me and guide me to the path that I am now in. I am thankful for those professors who have challenged me and have given me the opportunity to achieve my full potential. They have encouraged me to become confident and have helped me discover strategies that will eventually help me meet the needs of my future students.
There are many staff and faculty and others who deserve much more than a thank you because they have helped in one way or another on this path.
I can’t wait to be able to give back to my community and pay forward the help that I have received here at the University of Portland. Once I graduate, I hope to continue teaching in various schools for the rest of this year.
Through academic achievement, perseverance and hard work, I have been awarded the Fulbright Scholarship. I will be placed in Mexico to be an English Teaching Assistant. Once in Mexico, I intend to reconnect with the richness my culture has to offer. Additionally, I have plans to find a religious community in which I hope to continue contributing by serving those in need.
