What brought you to WYWLA? How did you feel when you were accepted?
I decided to attend WYWLA because my sister was attending the school. We are 2 years apart. I noticed how happy she was to be at WYWLA, and I wished for the same. When I was accepted into WYWLA I was excited, as I was going to be starting a new journey.

How would you describe yourself as a student in middle school?

In middle school, I was very shy and had a small friend group, as I didn’t talk to others much. 

Do you feel added pressure being part of the first generation in your family to attend/graduate from college? Explain. Any struggles you’ve encountered?

Being first-generation, I feel that there has been added pressure on me that has shaped my character and educational development. I never do things without thinking about how they can impact my family. I always ensure to do my best in my classes and do my part in society because I want to let my family know that their sacrifices aren’t going to waste. This often stresses me out and causes me anxiety to be better for not only myself and my family, but for other first-generation students. I want to be able to pave the way for them. Being first-generation comes with its struggles. In my early years my biggest struggle was being bilingual, as English is my second language. Most recently my biggest struggle has been feeling welcomed by society. 

You have an older sister who has attended and graduated from WYWLA and are now in college. You are the youngest of the sisters that will go to college. What advice have they given you in your academic journey?

My sister has always been my role model, she has always been at my side as I have been at hers. I think one of the biggest pieces of advice my sister has given me is to have good time management. This is important to academics and personal life. Making sure you give yourself time to do assignments will lower your stress and allow you to have time for yourself. 

How has their making it to college influenced you?

My sister is currently attending UNC Chapel Hill.  Growing up I have always seen her sacrifices and noticed that they are worth it and give the results you want to see. Growing up we were often compared and now that my sister has made it to college I see how she is forming more and more in her life. This has influenced me to make my own decisions and sacrifices in order to get the life I want. I have also been able to spread my wings more and do things for myself. 

What colleges have you thought about possibly attending/graduating from?

I am currently still deciding and waiting to hear back from different schools. However, my top choices are Elon University, Clemson, and the University of Miami. 

Who currently forms your support system?

My support system consists of my sister, my parents, my dog, and my friend group. 

Have you given thought to what you’d like to study and become professionally after you graduate from college?

I plan to double-major in nursing and marketing in hopes of becoming a nurse and a nail technician. I would also like to do something in social media. 

What will it mean to your family when you graduate from college? 

To my parents, graduating from college would mean that they can finally rest. My parents left their home countries at the age of 18 and started working to support their families back home. Once my sister and I were born, they started to work even harder to give us everything. My parents didn’t get to have their dream careers so seeing me graduate with a degree would make them proud to know that anything can be done. To my sister, it would mean that her hard work has helped me and will continue to pave the way for others. She has always been there for me and has always been my main support. 

When you face obstacles or challenges now, how do you overcome them?

When I face obstacles I try to remember that everything will be ok. Something that always helps me overcome challenges is taking things slow and taking small steps to overcome them. Often challenges can make people overwhelmed, but I try to think about how everyone goes through something and that if you just keep pushing through you will overcome it. A saying that helps me is, “In order for rainbows to come it must rain.”

Who are some people who have championed you throughout your life? Who motivates and believes in you at WYWLA? Who inspires you to achieve/to soar?

Some people who have championed me through life have been my family and friends. Throughout my life, I have lost people who have meant a lot to me and even though they aren’t with me I carry a piece of them everywhere I go. I often dedicate my successes to them because I know that they would be extremely proud of me. 

Someone who motivates me and believes in me at WYWLA is my best friend Isabelle. Isabelle and I have been friends since 6th grade orientation. Since the yellow rose ceremony, we constantly look out for each other and treat each other like sisters. She has been there for me through thick and thin. Isabelle is the best thing that has ever happened to me as she pushes the best version of me to come out.

Some people who inspire me to achieve are all the first generation students who came before me. They too understand the struggles I face and have managed to become big, paving paths for everyone. Many became doctors, accountants, or whatever they wanted. Many have been told no in many instances and still succeeded despite the negativity.

What piece of advice or words of wisdom do you have to WYWLA students who will be the first in their family to attend/ graduate from college?

Some advice I would give to other first generation students is that everything is possible with a little bit of work. If you put in the work you will get the outcome you want. You aren’t alone, many people face challenges, and with the right support, even if it’s just one person, you can complete anything you put your mind to. Lastly, remember that you are doing things for yourself too. I think the hardest thing is not falling into the pressure to only do what is best for others. This is your life and you should live it how you want. I understand how it can be hard to live your life with others opinions, but you should do it for you. Your parents and everyone around you will be happier to see you happy and successful rather than sad. You got this!

What brought you to WYWLA?  How did you feel when you were accepted?
I was brought to WYWLA because my sister went here for middle and high school, and I got to hear all about the amazing benefits and opportunities WYWLA provided while she went here. When I was accepted I felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement over the big change that came with transferring for my 8th grade year, but overall, I felt hopeful for myself and my academic future.

How would you describe yourself as a student in middle school?

I had a lot of struggles in middle school. I had a hard time focusing on my classes and getting my schoolwork done, and it took a lot of effort for me to just do what I needed to do. I absolutely have my teachers to thank for helping me get through 8th grade, and I am eternally grateful for the patience they had with me. I’m way better now and a lot more organized than I was!

Do you feel added pressure being part of a first generation in your family to attend/ graduate from college?  Explain?  Any struggles you’ve encountered?

If I think about it too hard it can become a daunting and stressful task, but a lot of that stress is lifted off of me because my sister is a first gen college graduate. Being able to see her handle that pressure and the struggles that come with it will always be very inspiring to me. I personally haven't encountered any difficulties, but if I do, I firmly believe I’ll be able to handle them, just like my sister did.

What advice were you given in your academic journey?  

A piece of advice I hold dear to me is to keep trying. Even if you get knocked down, pick yourself up and keep going. Sometimes you won’t do so great on an assignment, or you might have a quiz about the one thing you didn’t study for, but you have to realize it’s not the end of the world. If you keep going, and you of course communicate with your teachers, it’s all going to work out. You just have to try.

What colleges have you thought about possibly attending/graduating from?

I've thought a lot about attending Meredith College. I went on one of their campus tours, and I loved everything about it; from the teachers I interacted with to the welcoming atmosphere, it was a wonderful experience. It is definitely high on my list of colleges I want to go to!

Who currently forms your support system?  

My family and friends make up my support system. They’re definitely the first people I go to when I need help with something or when I just need someone to talk to. My mom has always played an essential part in my life, and has been a big source of help and motivation; I will always be grateful for everything she has done for me, and that extends to the rest of my family as well as my friends. I try my best to give that same support back to them.

Have you given thought to what you’d like to study and become professionally after you graduate from college?

I’ve known for a while that I want to study psychology. I am mainly interested in the social work aspect, and being able to work hands-on with patients and provide counseling as well as just being there to listen. My plan is to eventually get a doctorate in psychology, and have my own practice!

What will it mean to your family when you graduate from college? 

It would mean I was able to persevere through the challenges I faced, and I was able to accomplish my dream. I look forward to the day I graduate and make my family proud.

When you face obstacles or challenges now, how do you overcome them?  

I always like to take my time working through the challenges I face. Whether it's something related to academics or my personal life, I always remember to be patient and know what is and isn't within my control.

Who are some people who have championed you throughout your life?  Who motivates and believes in you at WYWLA?  Who inspires you to achieve/ to soar?

My mom, my brother, and my sister have been my biggest supporters throughout my life. In WYWLA, every teacher I’ve had has motivated and believed in me, but a few I want to give a shout out to are Mrs. Stearns, Mrs. Watkins, and Dr. Terry. They have been some of the best teachers I've ever had, and have been incredibly supportive and inspiring to me.

What piece of advice or words of wisdom do you have to WYWLA students who will be the first in their family to attend/ graduate from college?

Don't let the stress get to you! While stress is sometimes a good thing we all need, it's important to give yourself a break sometimes. Being a first generation graduate is a huge deal and a huge responsibility, but always remember that you’re not alone.