E. A. Bravo Outstanding Women of Color in Leadership Award

“Uno tiene que estudiar para salir adelante,” has been a constant reminder from my mother since I was a little girl. For a long period of time, I believed those words meant I had to get an education to have a career and reach a higher socioeconomic status. However, as I grew older I realized there is more to it. I've learned through my struggles within the Hispanic community that I am a part of something much bigger. As a first-generation college student, it takes extra dedication, perseverance, and grit to succeed. Growing up, I lived in a community where the majority of the population is Hispanic. From a young age, I was able to witness and experience the disadvantages my community faced regardless of our different upbringings, cultures, and nationalities. There is a lack of guidance, resources, and opportunities provided to the Hispanic community. There are limitations such as poverty, language barriers, financial difficulties, and systematic oppression that affects our mobility in society. At a very young age, school became my sanctuary. It was a place where I had the opportunity to learn English, study various subjects, and make friends. Although the public education system was not the best, I never took it for granted. I saw how hard my mother worked to provide a roof over our heads and food on our table, so I knew I had to work hard in school. There were so many moments in our lives filled with uncertainty, but one consistent thing was my mother’s reminder that education will be the door to endless opportunities. As I became older, I noticed the lack of resources available to my community. When reaching the end of my high school career, I remember how difficult it was for me to get any information about college and the application process. It was discouraging and almost made me give up. I remember receiving Rowan's acceptance through the EOF program. It was the first time I felt I would have a chance at the life my mother always talks about her kids having. It was the first day of the EOF program and I had the biggest smile. I did not know one single person at the University. I had no idea how I would afford my tuition, but I couldn’t stop smiling. I was given the opportunity to further my education. As the days went on, I had the chance to meet my EOF class. I realized how many of us were first-generation students with similar backgrounds. We were all kids who faced challenges but wanted a chance to show the world that we were more than our hardships. As I am now entering my last year of undergrad, I have decided my plans consist of working for schools serving low-income communities. I would like to motivate the youth to continue their education. I have found the courage and motivation within me to continue going to college despite all the limitations placed on me. I am determined to continue pushing through every obstacle and be an inspiration for the many generations to come. Education is a never-ending process. It can empower communities by expanding upon different points of view and knowledge. Education gives us the ability to think for ourselves and address complex issues on a communal, domestic, and national level. Education allows for great change to occur through compassion, advocacy, and leadership. As a Latina and first-generation student, I embrace how far I have come, but I look forward to the places I will go. I will continue my education because estoy determinada de seguir adelante.