At a VOICE ensemble concert benefiting SLI, SLI alum Miguel shared the following about his experiences:
It’s an honor to stand before you tonight and share my story as a Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) scholar. Looking back on my college journey, I feel an immense sense of gratitude for the support and guidance that SLI has provided. SLI hasn’t just shaped my academic pursuits; it has shaped the core of who I am today.
As a first-generation, low-income student…, my path to college was filled with both challenges and hope. I grew up watching the resilience of my parents, who left behind everything they knew in Cuba and El Salvador to build a better life for their family. Their sacrifices, their unwavering spirit in the face of hardship—these are the gifts they passed on to me, and I carry their strength with me every day.
When I entered [university], I did so determined to honor those sacrifices. Double majoring in Public Policy and Leadership and Foreign Affairs, and, of course, minoring in Astronomy—my first childhood passion—I knew this opportunity wasn’t just mine. It belonged to my family and my community, to everyone who believed in me.
My college experience has been a patchwork of growth, resilience, and opportunity. It has taught me the beauty of giving back and the necessity of rising through adversity. [Leadership opportunities] allowed me to foster the same connections and community support that SLI gave to me. At the same time, I faced hardships that tested me in ways I never anticipated—like managing familial loss and the weight of personal struggles.
One of the hardest lessons I had to learn was how to ask for help. But the lessons SLI taught me were there. The mentors and workshops they led, taught me resilience is not about enduring alone; it’s about leaning on others, growing through their wisdom, and finding the strength to persevere.
One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned from SLI is the power of my favorite word: voice. Through its programming, SLI showed me the transformative impact of using my voice—not only to advocate for myself, but to uplift others. Whether I’m speaking up for equitable policies, sharing my story to inspire first-generation students, or navigating the academic world, my voice has become my greatest tool for change.
Beyond academics, SLI taught me to lead and serve with intention…, giving back in the very way SLI invested in me.
As I prepare to graduate this May, I’m filled with hope for what’s ahead. My ultimate dream is to become an immigration attorney based out of South Florida, using my experiences and education to make a tangible impact on immigrant communities. Before law school, I plan to either pursue a Master’s in Higher Education Administration or Business in Virginia to deepen my leadership skills, or move directly to South Florida to work as a Human Rights Investigator or paralegal. No matter the path, my mission remains the same: to advocate for marginalized communities and drive systemic change.
To the donors who make SLI possible: gracias de mi corazón. Your generosity has transformed my life and the lives of so many others. Because of you, I’ve been able to pursue my dreams, grow as a leader, and build a future filled with purpose. Your support empowers us to break barriers, to dream bigger, and to pave the way for those who come after us. For that, I am eternally grateful.
Thank you for believing in me, for supporting students like me, and for helping us create brighter futures.
At a VOICE ensemble concert benefiting SLI, SLI alum Elena shared the following about her experiences:
I am excited to share with you all about my SLI experience, but I want you all to know that every student in SLI has an encouraging and unique story. I appreciate you all for allowing me this opportunity to share mine with you tonight.
When I began high school I had a difficult time finding my identity and struggled with knowing what I wanted for my future. My father, who is from Mexico, never had the opportunity to attend college. He has always encouraged me to pursue my education and is my biggest inspiration because of the hard work, sacrifices, and dedication he has shown our family. But growing up, I often wondered if college was even an option for me. I was provided with the opportunity to be part of SLI that allowed me to learn valuable leadership skills, take part in a mentorship program, and receive the support I needed to pursue my education. Through SLI I was able to participate in early college seminars, participate in community service hours, and be part of various leadership initiatives. SLI motivates students into striving for a better future for not only ourselves, but for our community and to be proud of where we come from. SLI helped me embrace my culture and set college and career goals while forming lifelong friendships along the way.
During my junior year of high school, I remember SLI guiding us through the college application process. We were assigned to have 5 colleges that we wanted to apply to, but I felt discouraged and did not think I would be able to continue with SLI. This is where my story is unique. During this time, I was 16 years old and found out I was expecting a child. I remember sitting down with [SLI program directors] to share the news, while I was feeling overwhelmed by the changes in my life and doubting my ability to finish high school or pursue college. SLI came alongside me and encouraged me to continue my education and reminded me that my dreams were still possible. I was focused on achieving academic success, earning my high school diploma, and pursuing college options but becoming a mother sparked a new determination to balance family, education, and a desire to help others just as SLI helped me. With their support I was able to continue to work hard and I was able to finish high school a semester early and graduate with an advanced diploma.
SLI helped prepare me for the college experience and provided me with the opportunity to continue my education. I received my associates degree in human services from Community College and then transferred to University, where I graduated with my bachelor’s in social work. Today I am a community health educator … and a program coordinator through Young Life. Through both of my current jobs I am able to work with supporting families in our community and share my success by helping others. Being a mother and continuing my education has been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey and I am deeply grateful for the support I received from SLI.
I appreciate you all for your continued support in allowing me to fulfill my educational dream to be a first generation college student. It is truly an honor to be supported and represented by SLI. Because of this program I am able to now give back and work alongside in our community. You all allow me to have this opportunity and investing in my future not only has supported me but also my son and for that I cannot thank you all enough.
HARRISONBURG, VA – The college access nonprofit Scholars Latino Initiative event SLI Celebración ’24 highlighted not just delicious foods and drinks, great music and dancing (and more!), but also the successes of its scholars.
Sponsored by many community-minded organizations, businesses, and individuals, and held at Harrisonburg’s stunning downtown venue The Loft at Liberty St., the event included sharing by SLI alumni plus featured a wide variety of foods, wine and donated Three Notch’d beers, dancing to the music of Lua Project, a 50/50 raffle and silent auction.
SLI’s mission is to support Latino/a/x high school students with college access through rigorous academic challenge, leadership development, scholarships, and supportive mentorships. Through collaborations with university and high school staff, faculty, and students, SLI provides college access opportunities throughout high school. In addition, its scholars can become eligible for financial support for college success. Since 2012 SLI has served 201 scholars (71 current and 130 alumni) and awarded nearly $700,000 in financial support for students. SLI alumni have attended 25 colleges and universities, primarily in Virginia.
For 2025 SLI has budgeted a record $264,500 for college scholarships, technology grants, and college dual enrollment and Advanced Placement course tuition assistance. DONATE HERE
“SLI provided me with opportunities that shaped my future,” said SLI alum Linda, who plans to begin medical school in 2025. “Being part of SLI opened doors I never knew existed.”
Two other alumni also spoke about their SLI experiences.
“I remember when I first joined SLI in Richmond,” Maria said. “I was a fifteen-year-old newcomer, born and raised in Mexico, who emigrated to the U.S. I knew very little English and for a long time, I thought that college was not an option for me.”READ MARIA’S SPEECH
Now a political science and Hispanic Studies double major, the alum has been active in campus organizations.
“I can proudly say that SLI inspired me not only to attend college but to make a difference and make the most of it,” she said. “I am truly grateful for all the donors who are making this possible for me and for so many other students; you are truly changing our lives and you are making our dreams come true.”
Daniel, a senior nursing student, plans to become a nurse anesthetist.READ DANIEL’S SPEECH
“SLI provided me with the guidance and orientation I needed to tackle the transition from high school to college,” he said. “SLI helped me believe in myself, letting me come across people who truly cared about me and my goals…. The financial contribution that SLI offered me was like a beacon of light for a kid who had sleepless nights over how he would alleviate any of the financial burdens that came with college.”
Also speaking were SLI board members and program directors Carlos Alemán, a professor of communications at James Madison University, Hannah Bowman Hrasky, a teacher at Rocktown High School, and SLI board chair Fawn-Amber Montoya, a professor of history at James Madison University.
Following the speeches were a Bolivian traditional dance and then dancing to the music of Charlottesville-based Lua Project.
Returning to the SLI event for the third time, Lua performs Mexilachian music, a new style of traditional music inspired by the sounds of Mexico, Appalachia, and the Atlantic Basin. A cultural pollinator, Lua bridges together musical styles from different continents and different centuries. They write about contemporary themes, about families, and communities, of work and loss, but draw on the musical traditions of their own cultural past.
Celebración foods and beverages, coordinated by Jan Henley, were made by A Bowl of Good, Casa Gallardo, El Sol, La Bendición Bakery, La Morena, Merge Coffee Company, Mi Placita, Mi Pueblito 2, and Three Notch’d Brewery, which donated the beer.
Silent auction items included gift cards to the food and drink vendors as well as gift baskets such as the hottest item, a “margarita basket” donated by Montoya. The winner of the 50/50 raffle, former SLI board member Laura Feichtinger McGrath, donated her winnings so that 100 percent of the proceeds would benefit students.
The event was generously sponsored by Bank of the James, Blue Ridge Community College, Bridgewater College, Cargill, Eastern Mennonite University, Everence Financial, F&M Bank, Glass & Metals, Harrisonburg City Public Schools, Herr & Co. Building Contractors, InterChange Group, JMU Honors College, LD&B Insurance and Financial Services, Park View Federal Credit Union, Sentara Health, Shining Accounting Services, Steven Toyota, two six seventy7 creative, and SLI founder Peter Iver Kaufman, Christopher & Maria Clymer Kurtz, Dick & Pat Gardner, Phil & Loretta Helmuth, Brent Holsinger & Laura Toni-Holsinger, and Larry Miller & Liz Yoder.
Maria’s Celebración speech:
“To talk about SLI is to talk about resilience, patience, support, love, and individuals willing to help others achieve their dreams.
I remember when I first joined SLI. I was a fifteen-year-old newcomer, born and raised in Mexico, who emigrated to the U.S. I knew very little English and for a long time, I thought that college was not an option for me….
From there, I met people with the same interests, dreams, hopes, and aspirations as me. Thanks to SLI, I improved my writing skills through their early college classes [that] challenged us to step out of our comfort zones by having us write ten-page essays on different topics. Thanks to the SLI program, I learned how to properly write an essay, be critical, analyze, ask questions, and remain unbiased when writing. We also had mentors who were … willing to give us their time, energy, and help, mentors that were more than mentors. To me my mentors were my friends, and my role models. My mentors, Sofia and Alejandra, helped me in every way possible, guiding me through writing long papers and the process of applying for different colleges and scholarships. They were always there for me.
The memories I cherish the most are those SLI meetings we had every month, where we could bring our parents to hear from other parents about the importance of their support and patience. In those meetings, we would first meet and eat together—families, mentors, mentees. It was always such a pleasure because afterward, we would have an Early College session which helped me to prepare for college academically.
I am currently a double major in political science and Hispanic Studies. I have been part of [campus organizations] as well. I initiated a project to provide free menstrual hygiene products at my college, and today, my project has become a reality. I can proudly say that SLI inspired me not only to attend college but to make a difference and make the most of it. I am truly grateful for all the donors who are making this possible for me and for so many other students; you are truly changing our lives and you are making our dreams come true. I am very grateful to SLI and [those] who believed in me from the beginning, as well as to all the donors who are believing in others. Thank you.”
Daniel’s Celebración speech:
“As a SLI scholar, you are given a mentor who is meant to guide you and be someone you can rely on in the terrifying transition from high school to college. As someone who was a bit disorganized, and whose disorganization sometimes proved to cause me issues, I remember the day we had a workshop on things we should get done before applying for college. I remember that I had no clue where to begin, but then my mentor proposed an idea that I still implement even to this day. My mentor told me that whenever I have to get something done, to make a checklist, and cross things off as I get them done. This served 2 purposes, the first being to physically see what I had to get done, and the second being that every time I crossed something off, I would feel a sense of accomplishment. That was in 10th grade, and I am currently a senior at my university who still uses that method. So if I could wrap in my experience as a SLI scholar in one word – it would be guidance
If asked how SLI has helped me with my college goals, the bigger question is what hasn’t SLI done for me? SLI provided me with the guidance and orientation I needed to tackle the transition from high school to college. SLI helped me believe in myself letting me come across people who truly cared about me and my goals. My sister is a SLI alum who recently graduated with her MBA last December. Seeing the impact that SLI had in her life further motivated me to use all the resources that SLI had to offer because I wanted to be just like her. The financial contribution that SLI offered me was like a beacon of light for a kid who had sleepless nights over how he would alleviate any of the financial burdens that came with college. And it is a blessing that continues to this day.
As of right now, I am currently in my last year of nursing school. I have been lucky enough to pursue my passion and am close to achieving this lifelong goal. But my dreams and goals don’t stop there. My short-term goal is to finish nursing school and work in [an] ICU. If I can, I would also like to try out travel nursing for a while and see where the road takes me there. Ultimately, my biggest dream is to become a CRNA (nurse anesthetist). After finding my passion for the world of nursing, anesthesia has been the beacon that I have been getting drawn closer and closer to every day. God willing, I’ll be able to achieve this goal and that way not only fulfill my dreams but the dreams that my parents had when they left their home country more than 23 years ago, which was to see their kids be successful.
If at one point in your life, you ever questioned whether or not your contribution has made a difference, I want you to know that I am living proof that the generosity of all of you has allowed a man with dreams to realize that his dreams could become a reality – that his dreams didn’t just have to be dreams. It’s now a reality that I am blessed enough to be able to live in. You are an inspiration because you all have shown me that we can change the course of someone’s life for the better. I wish to someday be able to repay the kindness and pay it forward to someone else. There is never a day that goes by where I am not thankful for the position that I am in. No matter how hard my classes are, no matter how stressed out exam week makes me, and no matter how many sleepless nights I have spent studying, I am forever grateful to have been given the opportunity in the first place, because I know that all my hard work will pay off. And that opportunity was all thanks to you.”
At their high school graduation ceremony on May 30, 2024, SLI scholars Isabella and Paula were recognized as among the top 10 of their graduating class of 206 students.
Isabella was ranked 4th, with a GPA of 4.60. She will study political science and pre-law to become an attorney, an interest that was already developing early in her high school career.
“Something that I’ll miss about SLI is the friendships that I made along the way, as well as all the mentorship and all of the support that I received through Dr. Kaufman and various people within the program,” she said in a recent interview.
Paula, who was ranked 9th, had a GPA of 4.31. She will study biology and pre-medicine, to become a nurse.
As a high school sophomore, she called SLI “a life changer,” and this spring she shared this advice for students following in her footsteps: “I would recommend actually trying on your essays [in SLI Early College] because as time goes by you can look back at your old essays and then you can see how much you’ve improved.”
SLI is generously funded by the Herndon Foundation, the SLI Founder’s Fund, and many others in the SLI Community of Support. Programming is led by SLI founder Peter Iver Kaufman, Ph.D., a professor at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond, and her school’s LIEP teacher & department chair Ester Orellana.
Onesimo ’20 studied political science and history and graduated with cords of distinction.
I was surprised by how difficult sometimes it is to get into college, because it feels that once you’re there, it becomes certainly easier because you have a community and there are resources and people who pretty much are in charge of making you feel welcome and working for you, towards your success. So yeah, I was surprised by the huge contrast between how hard is to get into college, all the barriers that exist, all the bureaucracy, and especially when you’re first generation, it’s even harder because you have no idea how to go. Once you’re [in college] it’s more accessible than getting into it, actually.
I remember my freshman, sophomore, and even junior year, I was pretty skeptical if going to college was going to be a reality for me, but once I saw Julia ’19, Mariel ’19, and Constanza ’19 actually getting into college and doing well in their first year, I was like, “Okay, so it’s possible.”
I guess some advice for all the people who are students right now in SLI is that sometimes it’s crazy, the amount of work you have to do, especially if you’re working with [SLI Founder] Peter. You have to do a lot of papers, you have to read a lot, but at the end is worth it, definitely. It not only helps you with your work in high school because you definitely get an advantage, you get ahead of your peers in high school, but you definitely get another advantage once you get to college. Either in your critical skills or your writing skills or written skills, you’ll definitely see the results.
A year after I arrived [in the United States] I started in SLI, in high school. Reflecting to that, it’s been great, it’s been a lot.
SLI was a great experience for me. I felt that it prepared me pretty well for my college experience in every aspect. I was able to improve my English skill set. I mean, when I came here I barely knew English, so that was one thing. I was also inspired by all my mentors and developed my curiosity and critical thinking skills, too, so that was pretty good, too.
When I came here and I took my first writing class in college, I realized, Wow, yeah – I could tell, like seeing my other peers, that I was pretty much ahead of them because of SLI, and because of the work I did before coming here. That was definitely something I was really like happy about it. So yeah, SLI was definitely great for me.
When I got here [to college] I was shy, definitely, and more timid. I became more confident in my skills and in myself as a person. I learned more about the Latino culture here in the U.S. I got to know and become friends of a bunch of new Hispanic people and at this point they’re like my brothers and sisters and family, pretty much, because of the same situations we face and like sharing the great things about our culture, like our food and music.
I feel I’ve become more understanding, humane, and empathetic toward my community and toward all the other BIPOC communities, immigrant communities as a whole, so I think that’s something that my experience in college taught me and I learned through here, to be more humane, more empathetic, and definitely proactive towards these communities, towards the issues that we face in this society.
That was the first thing I did when I got [to college] was be involved with [the Latino Student Alliance]. I eventually became their co-president. That was a fun experience and now, towards my senior year, I became more involved with [Student Government Association], like a bigger picture club.
I’ve been involved with a bunch of clubs and orgs here on campus. It’s been definitely a learning experience for me, getting to know and interact with all these different people and get to know them better and form new friendships.
My main major was political science, and then I took a couple history classes and I realized, Oh wow, political science and history work pretty well together, and I ended up adding the history major, too.
I had a chance to take a couple Spanish courses with a focus on Latin American politics, and about like social movements and dictatorships in Latin America and it was great definitely, a good experience.
Playing soccer here was fun, to play four years, to connect with new people. I pretty much learned a lot about leadership and put into practice some skills, too, that was great, too. Overall it was a pretty good season for us. We did a bunch of good stuff this year, so that was good.
[Approaching graduation] is kind of bittersweet. It’s exciting definitely because it’s a transition time and actually I am excited to see and put into actual practice all the skills that I’ve learned here, all the theory and academic work, and actually interact with people from my community, so that’s pretty exciting, too, but at the same time kind of sad, definitely, since I think this college was definitely a great fit for me. I’m going to be leaving a couple friendships here.
Now I’m thinking about what I’m going to do. I’m definitely applying to a couple grad school programs. I’m not sure if I’m going to go right into it after undergrad. I might work for a year or a couple months and get a sense of the work. We’ll see from there.
Maria ’21 is pursuing degrees in political science and Spanish with a minor in pre-law.
I always knew that at some point I had to become that person, the person that I had in my mind because of the things I used to like, the things I like, about politics, helping the community, and being really active in our society, to make things better.
When I was in Mexico, I always wanted to go to college, that was one of my dreams. But when I came to the US, that dream changed because of my status at that time. I knew that it was going to be really hard to get into college, not only because of that but also because financial. I was just learning English, so it was really hard. It was like a dream. I didn’t see a future for it until I knew about SLI. I went to the meeting. I didn’t know English. I remember Dr. Kaufman there. He was trying to say my name, and I couldn’t say even “Hi” or “How are you,” because I didn’t know English. The same day Dr. Kaufman asked me if I wanted to be part of SLI, and that’s when my dream became into life again because I knew that there was hope there.
SLI was going to help me, and it did eventually. I’m here today thanks to SLI and Dr. Kaufman.
Many times people don’t look for help because they’re afraid. They think that there’s no hope. My younger self used to think that, that there was no hope because when I came to the US college wasn’t a dream anymore, and I met Dr. Kaufman and I knew that there was hope. I saw that. Never stop dreaming.
My major is political science and Spanish, and I have a minor in prelaw. I’m part of the SGA which is the Student Government Association, and I’m also part of LSA, which is Latinx Student Alliance. For SGA I’m part of the senators. I’m working on a project about having menstrual hygiene products for free in school. We look for what’s the best for students, and for LSA I’m just a co-historian.
I’m from Mexico. I feel like my passion for political science started when I was 12 years old and I saw a lot of injustice around my community, and that’s when I started reading about it, watching the news. I would like to become a lawyer first and then when I have the connections that I will need in the future, maybe become a politician.
My mom, when it comes to like my dreams, she supports me but it was also hard for her to think about me going to college because she also knew that there are so many things in the way to get into college. When I just came to the US she had two jobs. There was no time to express my goals or like my dreams to her because she has to work. SLI does have meetings where families can go and talk. She went to a couple of those meetings and that’s when she started helping me. She was like, “Yeah, you should do that. You should study.”
I have three brothers and two sisters and I talk to them. I’m always like, “I will support you if you want to go to college. I will help you to apply to any school that you want, and we will get financial aid, we will apply for scholarships, and there’s hope.”
When I was in high school I used to be like really afraid of talking in public or even talking to someone in the classroom. I was really really really afraid. It’s been 6 years. I feel more confident about myself, about talking in public, about seeking for justice. I used to think like, “Oh I wish I can be that person. I wish I can help others,” but at that moment I felt like I couldn’t help them because I guess I didn’t have the tools to do so. But now I feel like I have the desire to help people, and now I can help people, and I feel like the majority of that is because of SLI, because of college, because of the experiences that I have faced during this six years. So yes, I feel like I have changed.
Right now I’m taking flavors of the Hispanic culture, social economy and politics, American politics, comparative politics, international relations.
What would you say to yourself, or someone like you who is a freshman in high school?
To keep seeking for their dreams and their goals because it’s not impossible. It might be hard to do and to keep dreaming, to never never never stop dreaming about anything that they want to do, especially when it comes to college, especially when it comes to their future. They have the power and the ability to make it reality. There will always be someone there to help them. There’s hope, and there’s people just like SLI.
I feel like [SLI’s program] “Early College” helped me a lot because we had to write different papers for Dr. Kaufman and I had to write a 10 page essay about democracy, and like if it works or not. And that paper when I was writing about it, I was like, “Wow, it’s so many pages, so many pages about democracy.”
But in the long run I came to college and I have to write a 12 page paper and it has helped me because I write papers and I’m like, “Oh yeah, I know how to write in APA style or MLA style” because of SLI – and I actually got an A in my writing English course. I told Dr. Kaufman it was thanks to SLI.
Sofia and Alejandra were my [SLI] mentors, and I love them both because they helped me so much. I feel like that’s something that SLI does a really good job about, writing papers and having mentors for their students to ask for help.
I just want to thank SLI for all for the opportunities that they gave me and they are still supporting me through college. I’m really glad. Thank you so much.
You’re helping us. I can focus on school and not think about how I’m going to pay this semester, and it’s thanks to you, thanks to SLI.
How do you think going to college will change your life?
I expect to have more opportunities [with a college degree]. Most of my siblings or even my parents did not finish high school, so they don’t have a GED or anything. My dad and my brothers all work construction, so it’s a heavy job, and I feel like they have worked a lot for me to have what I have right now. I expect that [my] opportunities will give me the economy to help them as well, give it back, because that’s what they did for me.
SLI was so helpful in general, because I was in Mexico my whole life, so when I came here I was not familiar with the educational system. It’s completely different. I didn’t know about the SATs or the FAFSA. The college application process was totally unfamiliar for me. None of my siblings or parents went to college, so they didn’t know how the process goes, either.
When I joined SLI they helped me through all those steps and also implemented other things, like writings. The writings were really hard, but these assignments prepared me for what we do here [in college]. So I can say that SLI is a really big factor on me getting to college and on me.
How old were you when you came from Mexico?
I was turning 15. I started freshman year, but I think it was because the school system is completely different. I think I took a year extra. I’m grateful for that because SLI accepts freshman students and I was a freshman there.
Going to college was always my goal ever since I remember. In elementary school I always wanted to go to college. My parents always supported that. When I was a little kid I really enjoyed doing math homework and stuff, but sometimes I didn’t have homework so I just put homework to myself and was working on my homework, and my mom was like, “Why would you do that? You have your all-free day, and you prefer to put yourself some homework?” I was like, “I don’t know, I just enjoy it.”
Now I hope for less homework.
I decided to come here because I was like, I need a little independence now, because I am an adult already and if I would be really close [to home] they will probably still keep me like a little kid right there. Two hours and a half is not bad because I can drive whenever I want to come back.
I’m taking calculus, stats, experimental methods – a lot of physics and labs, and programming. I was the type of person that kind of wanted to do something but was scared of it, so I was like “No, at this point I have to join various things.”
What are some things you are involved in?
Super-Mileage Car is a club. I joined when I was a freshman and it was like only boys and just me, but they were really nice and they were like trying to explain me through the steps, or if I needed, they would assign me something and help me out with that, so it was really nice.
Since I’m the shortest one I am the driver. Being the driver is kind of like, “Oh, I have their entire project in my hands.”
In the fall we built this car and then in April we went to the competition. We passed inspection the second day I believe, and we got to the road, so that was something really fun. Now I decided to continue, to stick with it, and we’re going to do it again.
I am part of the campus activities council and LSA, which is a Latino Student Alliance. I am a co-historian there. We usually just try to spread our culture and make some events that will be enjoyable for the school.
Even though it’s kind of stressful sometimes, I’m just trying to have this balance between my social life and my educational life, because if you concentrate more on one than the other, you probably will have a lot of stress and that’s not good.
Has college been surprising in any way for you?
I did not have an idea exactly of what I expected for college because I’m the first generation of my family, so nobody really told me about anything. We get to do a lot of fun things and even interact sometimes with the teachers and students, like we are all getting along together.
Growing up, education was one of my main concerns. As a first-generation low-income student, I was more focused on basic needs like money, housing, and food. I faced countless obstacles, including growing up in poverty, experiencing homelessness, and constantly being in survival mode. Despite these challenges, I always found solace in books and education. I don’t share my story for pity, but rather as a source of empowerment and to help others who have been through similar situations.
I am not the oldest in my family, but out of my seven siblings, I am the first to attend college. I understood from the start that I had to be a role model for my younger siblings, as my older siblings faced difficulties due to the circumstances we grew up in. So, it was up to me to navigate college independently, discover which organizations and clubs to get involved in, and figure out the process of applying for financial aid through FAFSA.
My first inclination to pursue higher education arose when I enrolled in the gifted program during my elementary school years. The teachers and individuals in the program served as my primary sources of inspiration. Through their guidance, I acquired crucial information, enhanced my public speaking skills, attended mandatory meetings, and engaged in volunteer work with children.
Scholars Latino Initiative (SLI) significantly facilitated my path towards accessing college education. Not only did the program equip me with a wealth of knowledge about higher education, but it also instilled a sense of belonging within me. Often, students from underrepresented backgrounds experience feelings of displacement or inadequacy. I would say SLI encouraged me to apply for other Hispanic college programs, volunteer opportunities, and colleges because it made me feel worthy of these opportunities.
When it came to selecting a college, I faced challenges as self-doubt crept in while filling out applications. Additionally, I found myself torn between the idea of venturing far away or remaining in Virginia. In the end, I made the decision to stay in Virginia and exclusively applied to schools within the state. Despite receiving a full-ride offer from my dream school, I ultimately chose my current school. Interestingly enough, I applied on a whim at the last minute and ended up being accepted as a university scholar, which granted me a full tuition and fees scholarship.
I am grateful that I chose to further my studies here because they provided me with an abundance of resources that I never imagined possible. During my first year, I had to withdraw for medical reasons, but the school was incredibly supportive. They offered networking opportunities, organizations like the First Generation and Low Income Group, a scholars program, academic support, and mental health resources.
Unlike high school, where I had to work full time and balance multiple responsibilities, I no longer have to do that because my school meets 100% of demonstrated need. I am particularly thankful that SLI taught me that it’s okay to ask for help because here, everyone is always willing to offer support. Currently, I am working towards my undergraduate degree in public health with a focus on data science. I have upcoming meetings and internship opportunities lined up. In the future, I hope to pursue research in Latino health disparities or become a public health analyst after completing graduate school. I will forever be grateful to SLI for believing in me when nobody else did.
In one of my teaching classes, Teachers for Tomorrow, we had to go spend 40 hours in a classroom. It definitely made me realize that that’s what I wanted to do.
How does it feel to be finished with high school?
I was so excited for graduation, but I was so sad because I was like, “Well, now I have to adult. Like, that’s a thing now. I gotta move on.” Then it clicked in my head and I was like, “Wait, I just graduated. Like, you’re done with high school.” That’s weird.
What would you like to tell about your family?
I grew up here. I was born here. My mom grew up in Hagerstown, Maryland. My dad immigrated from Mexico, and then same thing with my stepmom. So definitely like we get a little bit of every piece.
I have two older siblings. One lives on her own and she has her own little family, and then I have an older brother and he’s a full-time college student, and then I have my stepsister, my little sister, another brother, and then I have a younger brother who’s gonna go into kindergarten.
What have you learned about yourself as you’ve prepared for college?
It’s difficult being a first gen [college student], your parents not knowing the college process or anything like that, and seeking ways to find help or get the help that’s needed to go through college, or find those resources.
I think I definitely learned to go for it. Realize that you’ve done a lot already so you will continue doing great things. Seeing myself now and then seeing my younger self is just like, “You did it. You can keep doing it.”
I’m a big role model for my younger siblings, so I’m hoping that they can see my footsteps and maybe follow into them, or even do better things.
I always think life’s a plant: You’re that one seed at one point in life, and you’re like never gonna stop growing. You’re not gonna always be perfect, but perfectly imperfect.
I decided to study nursing when I took my first trip to Guatemala in 2018. I noticed the lack of healthcare in Guatemala’s communities. I was shocked to see an elderly blind man begging for money, and I thought to myself, “How could this elderly man be on the streets?” It quickly struck me that I could one day be the help this elderly man needed. Although I knew it was impossible to help him specifically, I could help others in similar situations.
My parents have always taught me to do everything for God and to do it in a passionate way. Pursuing nursing has given me a sense of purpose. I feel that this is what I am meant to do because I will have the opportunity to help God’s children.
Where do you see yourself working after graduation?
I will definitely be working with the company I am right now because they help individuals with disabilities. I believe individuals with disabilities deserve the same care as anyone else. My job has taught me many things, but the most important thing is this: a disability should not define anybody. I love my job because it allows me to passionately help and serve elderly individuals with disabilities.
As a pre-nursing major, I am studying for the Health Education Systems Incorporated exam in my free time. I am also taking medical technician classes with the company I work for, in order to further my education and ability to serve my residents.
What have been some highlights of college so far?
I have enjoyed meeting new people and trying new cultural foods, joining clubs that share my interests, culture, and education, and strengthening my relationship with God. I’ve had the opportunity to meet people from other countries, including some exchange students from Japan, and they gave me a different outlook on my college life. For them, it was difficult, as language was a barrier. It made me appreciate my own experience a bit more.
Are there particular people who have encouraged you?
My parents have definitely encouraged me to pursue a higher education and have always pushed me to chase any open opportunities. I am the first in my family to go to college, making it really difficult for me to adjust to college. I’ve had to learn everything on my own, but I’ve gained a lot from it.
