It’s like my mother used to tell me, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

Words sting. And unfortunately, the harshest words often linger in the back of our minds longer than we’d like to admit.

When I received my acceptance letter to Michigan State University, not all my “friends” were exactly thrilled.

Two of my closest “friends” at the time told me I was only accepted into the University because I was Mexican and they had an obligation to meet the “minority quota”. Others who weren’t accepted started believing them...and then I started believing them.

I had the grades, they didn't know that.

They just knew my last name was Velasquez and ran with it.

I was involved in yearbook, student council, mentored students and graduated with high honors but they looked past that.

Sadly, they just needed to feel better about themselves and their own situation. It took me a long time to realize and understand that but we’ve all been there.

With a little time and perspective, their hurtful words turned to gold. I was suddenly inspired to be the best possible version of myself that I could become.

I’m a first-generation student and I’m breaking the statistics.

I’ve made the dean’s list, won academic achievement awards, been invited to the honors college and have managed to land a few internships.

I’m humble and proud of my accomplishments.

I want to say I couldn’t have done it without you but I don’t even believe that anymore.

Thank you for not believing in me.