While in some cultures, graduation is expected, in others it is not even an option.

Growing up in a traditionally Mexican household, it was very easy to know what kind of lifestyle was expected of me. I learned the value of hard work at a very early age. However, it was mostly emphasized on household chores and gender expectations.

For example, I learned to iron my clothes, wash the dishes, set the table, help with cooking and cleaning, and other duties that were normally done by my mother. My parents taught me these things early because their belief was that I would need that in order to be of value to the person who would later want to marry me.

I never agreed that those things would determine my worth. I always believed in something more, and I was determined to find it. Education was something that I valued very early. I saw it as my key to success. While in elementary school, I was specifically burdened by my inability to speak English, yet I did not let that stop me. I picked up the language very quickly, and within just a year or two, I no longer needed help.

However, the disconnect always existed at home with parents who only spoke Spanish. As I continued to learn, I became more and more intrigued, always trying to quench my thirst for knowledge. I would attach myself to teachers who I felt could make a difference in my life.

By middle school, I knew that college was something that I not only wanted to do, but had to do. Because of the disconnect at home, I found myself constantly feeling like I had to choose what language to think or speak in. I wanted so desperately to change things, and I knew that an education was my only option, however to my parents it was not. Of course they were proud of me; they always pushed me and believed in my abilities, yet there were many reasons that deterred them from even imagining college as an option for me.

First, were finances. My family is one to work very hard; their worth ethic is very admirable. However, with five other children, times do get rough. Since my parents grew up in Mexico, much of their time was spent helping at home or out on the fields to provide for their families. That meant that education was always put on the back burner, especially when they did not have sufficient funds to cover the costs of books and supplies. They did not even make it to high school. So, they did not think there would be a way to help me further my education.

Second, in my culture, women were mostly meant for the keeping of the house. That meant cleaning, cooking, and keeping things in order around the house. More importantly, for maintaining the family. It is very rare when a woman is independent, and not necessarily needing to rely on a man to support her. Choosing a different route is something that is happening a lot more now than before.

Lastly, fear. My parents had no idea what college meant and how to even get me there. Knowing that there was a lot of paperwork and behind the scenes actions to be taken terrified them and the thought of me being alone after being so protected at home was also that scared them.

Although we all had fears and did not know what to expect, my mother sent me off and hoped for the best. They believed in me and knew that I had it in me to succeed. I had many bumps along the road, some that forced me to return home with bare arms, but I went back, and now here I am, a college graduate, and so glad that I took that step.

My love for knowledge is something that perhaps will never really go away, as i continue my education (I am not done quite yet), I will use those things that once kept me back as fuel to keep me going. Knowing that I have made a difference in my family is such a great honor. Although some families send their children out into the world without question, to others it is something full of uncertainty and doubt, but once it happens, the rewards are endless.

I am a proud Latina, with a degree, and all I can say is, "SI Se Pudo!" and I hope that many more students continue to follow their dreams, and not just let them be dreams.