Personal Narrative: My Hispanic Heritage

I represent many things; however, one identity that I will never be ashamed of is my Hispanic heritage. Over the years, my desire of learning more about my heritage has increased. I feel so fortunate that I have been able to experience the traditional food, dances, and music that my culture encompasses. Moreover, now more than ever, I am proud that the Hispanic community is able to stay strong and determined to help one another even they are succumbed to the injustice created by the government administration. Seeing the injustices happening in my communities motivates me to join programs and organizations to support the Hispanic community.
A program that I have memories and experiences that I will personally cherish forever is the R2L Program

sponsored by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. I had not put much attention to the details of the program because I did not feel confident that I would be selected to attend the program, but I was taught to try to apply to as many programs as possible to better myself. I had my doubts because I was competing with seniors at a national level; however, the odds were in my favor, and I received a call a few weeks later to let me know that I got into the program. I was excited to attend because the program gave me the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. and stay there a week to learn how the Federal Government works, meet important political leaders, and understand how students can make a positive effect on their community. My favorite part was being able to meet students from around the country that have encountered similar experiences like I have come across. Meeting all the powerful and influential leaders has motivated me to aspire to inspire Latino youth in my community.
In the future, I would want to pursue a major in biomedical engineering and minor in spanish. At this point, I would need to complete two more years at a university to earn my bachelors because I completed all my general education courses while in high school. With this type of bachelor's degree I can find a job that designs artificial internal organs and/or artificial devices that can replace body parts, but I would still want to continue my education by applying to medical school. The first two years at the medical institution, I would focus on learning anatomy and physiology. Afterwards, I would be able to apply what I learned in those years towards my clinical rotations where I would work with real patients. At the end of this path, I would have to complete residency training before I could earn my license and become a general practitioner.
I hope I am blessed enough attend college because many undocumented individuals do not have the opportunity or luxury to achieve a higher education. I want to be able to better myself, so I can have a greater impact on the Hispanic community. Furthermore, if I am able to reach my ultimate goal of becoming a general practitioner, I want to become a mentor to students that are on the verge of giving up on their academics. Even if I cannot become a doctor, I would still want to be a mentor because mentors have had such a positive impact in my life, so I want to do the same for others.
I have had many doubts about my future, especially during this time of year because of the recent decisions that the government administrations have made. Nevertheless, I picture my future with the utmost positivity because these things are out of my control. Throughout the years, I have become more resilient at the same time more empathetic and aware of people and my surroundings. My hopes are to keep advocating for the rights of minority communities and be a mentor for individuals that are on the verge of abandoning their dreams as I was.