Last updated on September 16, 2024
What makes your story unique? How did you get to Dallas College?
I was born in Danville, Illinois, but I spent my early years in Mexico after my family moved when I was four. Now that I’m in Dallas, my parents aren’t here with me – they’re back in Mexico. The separation, oddly enough, gives me the strength to persevere and not give up, all for them.
Why did you come here and why are they still there?
Well, my mom can’t be here due to the use of U.S. citizen papers at the border. As for my dad, he holds a visa, but he’s chosen not to leave my mom alone in Mexico. That’s why they can’t be here. However, one day, I will bring them here, and I will give them the life that they deserve.
When you graduate, what’s that going to be like? What does that mean?
I think my parents will be overjoyed, especially since I’m the first in the family to pursue college here. It’s my dad’s dream to have professionals in the family, and I will be the first of my siblings to reach that goal. My dad is my biggest inspiration to keep studying. Since I was a little girl, he always encouraged me to follow my dreams and not to be afraid of changes and all the sacrifices that someone must make in order to succeed in life.
What do you want to be as a professional?
I aspire to be a chemist. While my initial dream was to become a doctor, language barriers redirected me to chemistry. I love working with molecules and conducting experiments in the laboratory. I am a curious person, and I love to keep learning new things. I admire chemists because they are smart people, and dedicating their lives to this career is not easy. You have to keep studying, and the excitement of discovering new formulas must be something incredible.
What drives you to keep going?
I’ve often thought about a quote I shared with my mom: “In this life, sacrifices must be made.” My sacrifice is living without them. I want to provide the best for them, with the hope that one day they’ll be here with us. My brother, moved by this hope, was in tears last night. I promise them, one day they’ll be here—no matter the sacrifices.
What would you say for people in a similar position to you?
Keep fighting and keep moving. No matter how hard things could get or no matter how many times you want to give up. Think about everything you’ve built and hold on to that. Never listen to bad comments. Just listen and follow your heart.
What does your Mexican heritage mean to you?
Despite being born here, I have dual nationality thanks to my parents. I cherish my Mexican culture—it’s vibrant and filled with happiness. Our family motto is to keep fighting and never give up. Even though times are tough now, I believe that hard work today will pay off in the future.
You were very excited to show us your doll. What does it represent or symbolize, and what does it mean to you emotionally? Does the doll have a name?
The doll’s name is Lele. In Mexico, we have a tradition called Quinceanera. When girls turn 15 years old, they stop being little girls, and they become women. I did not have a Quinceanera, but my mom ensured I received my last doll. She said, “You are a woman now. You will always be our little girl for me and your dad, but it is time for you to fly. Make sure that the world sees the wonderful and mature woman you are.”
