Commencement

Graduates Lifting Mortarboards — Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis

I am Proud. I am one of many Latinas to graduate this year. I am the first in my family to graduate from college, let alone attend college. I am grateful that my parents migrated from Ecuador so I could one day walk the stage for a diploma. Thanks to their brave decisions, I have opportunities.

Now, many people think my life was and is perfect; but no. No one’s life is perfect. For me it was hard getting to that stage. I’ve felt stuck and hopeless. I grew up in poverty and I know racism all too well. I’ve had health issues and academic trouble. Many times I thought I’d drop out of school because there were days I had no money for food. I really had no idea what I was doing taking on mucho loans just to struggle for a B-.

Somehow I never gave up. My undergrad career may not have been perfect, but I somehow managed a GPA over 3.0. I gave my family a day to remember and I gave my fellow latinx, particularly my younger Ecuadorian friends, hope.

Just know that whatever path you choose, you can do it.

It’s not about how well you go through the storm, it’s about getting to the end.

Comments? Questions? Contact Jenesis at: Dear_Jenesis@netsafeid.com