What brought you to WYWLA? How did you feel when you were accepted?

I have two older sisters who were previously students at WYWLA, and I have always looked forward to attending WYWLA with them. When I was first accepted, I was super excited to start my journey just as I've seen my sisters start theirs.

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

I was super shy in middle school but spent half of my middle school year at home during COVID. I had a great friend group that I'm still friends with today. 

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?

Feeling pressure is just a part of being a first-generation student. I can say that pressure is definitely there when it comes to applying for college, since my parents aren’t able to help me with the process. I applied for FAFSA and scholarships alone since it was all information I had to find out on my own.

You have two older sisters who have 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?

To be the better version of myself and not them. Growing up, you always hear the common trope of siblings being put up against each other, but that wasn’t the case for me and my sisters. Both of my sisters are extremely intelligent, but we are all different and we each have our own strengths and weaknesses. My sisters have always encouraged me to excel in my strength and work to make my weaknesses into strengths. 

How has their making it to college influenced you?

I always knew my sisters would attend college, since it has been a goal for all of us. All I can say is that it fills me with pride that my sisters are so smart! It has influenced me to be like them and create my own future for myself. 

What advice were you given in your academic journey?

To seek help and always ask questions when you're confused. Also, that practice is super important! I can say that every single class will require practice during your own personal time.

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

At the time that I am writing this I haven’t made a definite decision yet. However, I am considering Meredith College's program of engineering with NC State, and if my parents allow then I would love to attend UNC Charlotte.

Who currently forms your support system?

My sisters have always been my support system, ever since the day I was born. I love them with all my heart and they’re always there for me. My cousins are also my best friends; even with one in Mexico, I still check in with her every day to talk about our lives. 

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

I want to major in Civil Engineering to hopefully work in the city and own my own business.

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

I will be the last of my sisters to graduate from college and I know it will mean the world to my parents. My parents came to this country with the intention of giving my sisters and I a better life, and we are doing it by securing a good education. 

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

I overcome obstacles and challenges by thinking about the best strategies to face them head on. I have learned that nothing good comes from dwelling on and beating yourself up for past mistakes. It is always better to think about how you can improve instead and then taking the information with you everywhere.

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 family has always been there for me throughout my life. When I felt down, they always extended their hand to help me up. At WYWLA I have my amazing friends who have always been there for me, and my teachers who are always there for me when I lack motivation. My mother specifically always inspires me to achieve my goals.

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?

Nothing will change if NOTHING changes! Getting an education is the best thing you can do for you and your family. So keep working at it even if it feels frustrating and difficult to feel alone. Just think about the end of a generational struggle.

What brought you to WYWLA? 

My connections to this school began with my daughter, who was accepted to attend WYWLA. When I learned about a job opportunity at the same school, my sister encouraged me to apply. The prospect of being close to my daughter and watching her grow in a supportive educational environment was too great to pass up. I seized the opportunity, applied, and was thrilled to be accepted. Now, I am grateful to be part of the WYWLA community, both as a parent and as a staff member.

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

In middle school I was a driven and competitive student, consistently focused on achieving academic success. However, my high school experiences presented new challenges of balancing school work with family responsibilities.

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?

Being part of the first generation in my family to attend college is a milestone I am proud to achieve. While I do not feel pressured, I am driven by a deep-seated desire to learn and improve myself. My parents did not have the opportunity to attend high school, and seeing my three siblings graduate and secure excellent job opportunities further fueled my determination. At 16, I arrived in a new country with limited opportunities and no career prospects. Yet, I was determined to succeed. I secured a job as a babysitter, juggling work and English classes as a second language. Being able to speak English gave me the opportunity to find a job as an operator assistant in a hotel. As the years passed, I prioritized providing for my family, but the nagging feeling of being unprepared lingered. This sense of inadequacy became a constant reminder of my desire to pursue a higher education and build a fulfilling career.

What advice were you given in your academic journey? 

Throughout my academic journey, I’ve received invaluable advice that has shaped my approach to learning. One of the most impactful suggestions was to master the art of time management- prioritizing tasks, setting realistic deadlines, and allocating specific time slots for homework. Additionally, I was encouraged to pursue my passions, push beyond my comfort zone, and seek guidance from teachers and peers when needed effectively.

You are currently taking some college courses. What program are you pursuing and at what school? What is your end goal?

 I am excited to share that I am currently enrolled in online courses at Wake Technical Community College. My academic pursuits are focused on obtaining a degree in Early Childhood Education, a field that aligns with my passion for nurturing young minds and fostering their growth.

 Who currently forms your support system?

My support system is rooted in two main sources: my children and my work environment. My two children are my greatest motivators, providing me with unconditional love and encouragement. Additionally, being part of a school community has been an influence for my personal growth. Surrounding myself with dedicated educators and inspiring bright and hard-working girls has reignited my passion for learning. 

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

 Graduating from college will be a momentous occasion for my family, one that will resonate with my parents. They often reflect on their own lives, wondering how different their circumstances might have been if they had had the opportunity to attend college. Their encouragement has been a constant source of motivation for me. But it is not just my parents- my children will also witness the culmination of my hard work and perseverance. As they’ve watched me balance classes and motherhood, they’ve seen firsthand the struggles and triumphs. I know they will feel an immense sense of pride in their mother’s accomplishments. Yet, as I consider how my family will feel, I am reminded that this achievement is also deeply personal, it will fulfil my own need for knowledge and career decree, empowering me to create a brighter future for myself and those I love.

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

When faced with obstacles, I draw strength from my children. As a parent, I want to model resilience and determination for them. When challenges arise, I remind myself that I have two little ones counting on me to stay strong. Even when I make mistakes I am motivated to learn from them and keep moving forward. I’ve learned that knowing what brings me joy and motivation is crucial to overcoming challenges. By focusing on these positives, I am able to shift my perspective and tackle obstacles with renewed energy. 

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?

Throughout my life, my family has been my rock, providing support and encouragement. They’ve instilled in me a growth mindset, motivating me to strive for improvement and seek out new opportunities. Here at WYWLA, I am grateful to be surrounded by a community that has made me feel seen, heard, and valued from day one. While I could name many individuals who have made a possible impact, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone in our community. Your patience, support and kindness have helped me grow in confidence and feel a sense of belonging. Thank you for embracing me and allowing me to learn from each of you.

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?

My advice is to look within and discover what drives you. What are your passions? What makes you happy? What are your goals? By understanding your own motivation and desires, you will be better equipped to stay focused, overcome obstacles and achieve your dreams. When envisioning your future, remember that while your family will undoubtedly be proud of your accomplishments, it is you who will reap the rewards of hard work. You will be the one who enjoys the benefits of a college education, from increased career opportunities to personal and fulfillment.