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Ashanti Calderon

945

Bold Points

Education

Anna Maria College

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Hospital & Health Care

    • Dream career goals:

      Nursing

    • Administrative assistant

      Westerleigh housing
      2023 – Present2 years
    • Main desk representative

      Mondor-Eagen Library
      2022 – 20231 year
    • Waitress

      Morrison living
      2022 – Present3 years
    • Customer service associate

      Walgreens
      2021 – 20221 year
    • Team Member

      KFC
      2021 – 2021

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Nursing home — Volunteer
      2022 – 2022

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Ed and Flora Pellegri Scholarship
    Living in the United States for approximately six years, I have embarked on a transformative journey, encountering various struggles and triumphs that have shaped me into the person I am today. From navigating a new language to adapting to a different culture, my experiences in Connecticut have profoundly impacted my identity and my life. Throughout my childhood, due to frequent school changes before moving to the United States, I developed a remarkable ability to adapt to different environments and circumstances. This resilience proved invaluable upon my arrival in the United States, as I swiftly adjusted to the new setting and its challenges. However, this doesn't imply that the transition was without its hurdles, particularly when it came to building friendships. In my early days, I found companionship with a group of girls, unknowingly compromising my true self in their presence. It was only upon self-reflection that I realized the detrimental effect of this behavior. I made a conscious decision to no longer sacrifice my authenticity to fit into a friend group that may not provide the support I genuinely needed. Eventually, I found friends who embraced me for who I am, rather than trying to mold me into someone else. As a native Spanish speaker, the journey of acquiring English presented a significant challenge. Prior to my move, I had begun taking private English classes alongside my regular schooling in anticipation of leaving Puerto Rico. However, my grasp of the language was still rudimentary upon arriving in the United States, and I quickly realized the gaps in my knowledge. Nevertheless, as time passed, I gradually improved my command of English. While pronunciation, influenced by my accent, remained a struggle, practice and persistence allowed me to overcome this obstacle. There were instances where I had to repeat myself multiple times to be understood, but with determination, I sharpened my language skills to the point where I am now fluent. Although I still encounter challenges with certain words, my progress is undeniable, and I take pride in my bilingualism. In light of the aforementioned challenges, adapting to a new environment and mastering a new language were undeniably arduous tasks. Moreover, embracing my true identity proved to be equally difficult, as it necessitated parting ways with friends and acquaintances who could not accept me for who I am. It is important to recognize, however, that not fitting into a specific group or struggling with language proficiency does not define one's potential for personal growth and success. On the contrary, these experiences offer invaluable opportunities for self-improvement and self-discovery, paving the way for a stronger, more resilient future self. Each of these challenges has contributed to shaping the person I am today, and as I continue my journey, The U.S has provided me with a transformative environment, allowing me to discover my true self amidst the struggles and triumphs of adaptation and language acquisition. It has taught me the significance of remaining authentic and true to my values, regardless of the circumstances. I have come to appreciate that the most genuine connections are forged by being oneself and accepting others for who they are. My journey has reinforced the idea that obstacles are not roadblocks but stepping stones toward personal growth. They have instilled in me the resilience to overcome adversity and the determination to strive for excellence. As I reflect on my experiences, I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and the person I have become. The journey of self-discovery and adaptation has enhanced my character, broadened my horizons, and instilled in me a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives.
    Ashanti Calderon Student Profile | Bold.org