A Honest Academic Journey

In kindergarten, school felt tough. The only friend I had was a girl who, like me, spoke Spanish. We often got in trouble with our teacher for speaking Spanish instead of English. 

In first grade, I was pulled out of class for extra math lessons because they thought I was behind. But then I started answering questions correctly and showing I understood. Still, my teachers never seemed to believe me, and they often got irritated. That was the start of me being labeled a troublemaker; A label that stuck with me all the way through high school. At a later time, the school even sent home a letter recommending I be moved into a Spanish-speaking class, but my family declined. They wanted me to gain more English experience. So, in elementary school, I focused on what mattered most to me: making friends and being creative. I loved all my subjects, but art quickly became my passion. 

Then came seventh grade. The year math became fun. I did my homework, studied, and even worked ahead. But I constantly got scolded. My teacher gave me detention for finishing the next week's homework and told me to stop answering questions during class. Eventually, I gave up on math and focused more on annoying her. I wasn't exactly the model student. In eighth grade, things changed. My new math teacher was strict, but she believed in me. She saw my potential and pushed me to do better. That year, I memorized 182 digits of pi and won second place in a school-wide competition with over 1,600 students (the winner had over 300 digits!). Even with that success, art still held the biggest place in my heart. It was always my escape, and my art teachers and family always encouraged me.

Throughout those years, I consistently scored high on state tests, always right on the edge of being placed in advanced math classes. But honestly, I was more focused on creativity, mischief, and finding my own way.

Eventually, my dad and I moved to a new town, starting fresh in a new school district. Thanks to my state test scores, I was placed in all honors classes and began to thrive. Math was getting tougher, but for the first time, I had the support I needed. My math teacher, one I’ll never forget, was the best I had throughout K–12. He stayed after school to help students who needed it and was always patient and encouraging. With his support, I earned great grades that first semester. I was also accepted into AP Studio Art, a class reserved for juniors and seniors.

But, true to form, things didn’t stay perfect for long. I switched to online homeschooling, but the classes were far less challenging than I needed. As I started working full-time (first as a lead at a popcorn shop, then at Starbucks) school quickly took a backseat. By senior year, I was living on my own, and for the next three years, I only did assignments when I felt like it... which wasn’t often.

Despite it all, I managed to graduate on time with a surprisingly high GPA.

I once dreamed of going to a prestigious four-year college like NYU or Northwestern. But I let go of that dream. I convinced myself, "I can barely survive as an adult right now. There’s no way I can afford an expensive college. And I’m not smart enough. I’ve been an imposter this whole time." So instead, I took affordable online courses, hoping to earn an associate degree in graphic design. But my high school experience left me feeling unprepared, especially when it came to writing. I struggled with essays and spent a year just trying to finish my English class. Despite the challenges, I earned some college credits and was proud I managed to do it without going into debt. 

During this time, I worked as a barista, creating content for YouTube and Instagram on the side. Eventually, I felt drawn to Milwaukee and moved there, where I landed an incredible sales job at a corporate company. That job lit a fire in me. I dove into digital marketing, earned a certificate, read sales books, and constantly refined my pitches. I wanted to succeed, both for myself and the company. But something felt off. I started questioning if I should leave and focus on becoming a graphic designer and content creator full-time.

Then, the entire sales department was laid off. My decision was made for me.

The months that followed were hard. I kept applying to jobs, updating my portfolio, and creating content, but nothing seemed to change. Doubt started creeping in. Then a friend asked, "Why don’t you try going to a four-year college?" At first, the idea repelled me. I’d always envied students who had opportunities I thought I could never access. But then it hit me; I was the one holding myself back. I could go to college. I had nothing to lose.

So, I applied to the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. And I got accepted.

Graduate School!