ºÚÁÏÉçÇø

• Current Role: Wraparound Facilitator, Butler County Family and Children’s First Council
• Class: 2023
• Major: Psychological Science
• Campus Involvement: Psychology Group

Why did you choose ºÚÁÏÉçÇø Regionals?

I chose ºÚÁÏÉçÇø for my bachelor’s degree because it was close to my home and I was able to balance my personal life and my classes. The instructors were very supportive and ºÚÁÏÉçÇø provided me with different resources for ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs such as tutoring sessions. I was able to have my three children without taking any time off. Being a first generation ºÚÁÏÉçÇø has not been easy, but Miami professors have supported me along the way.

How did the Psychological Science major prepare you for success in your career?

At the beginning of my career I wanted to become a pediatrician but due to different circumstances I changed my major. I started realizing after completing some internships that I was getting more interested in mental health and that, due to my personal experiences and religious beliefs, I was more able to have connections with helping those who were struggling and vulnerable. I was also able to learn about the ACE Adverse Childhood Experiences and I realized that I could work in preventative care where I was going to help people have stable lives, and help them to reduce their physical and psychological diseases.

How did your involvement on campus enhance your time in college and beyond?

Psychology group: It helped me to be around my classmates and discussed different psychological topics.

What was your experience as a DACA ºÚÁÏÉçÇø?

Miami has allowed me to be successful as a DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), a nontraditional ºÚÁÏÉçÇø, a wife, and a mother of three beautiful children.

I am from Mexico City. I came to this country when I was 11 years old and I did not speak English. I am an immigrant, a daughter of parents who have immigrated to this country. My parents are not wealthy and are not English proficient. I was able to graduate from Fairfield High School with honors, doing homework by myself. All those high school years I wanted to graduate from college, but my legal status did not allow me to reach my goals.

In 2011 the DACA program allowed me to reach my goals. I was able to graduate from high school with honors, and received my cosmetology and manager licenses from Moler Pickens Beauty Academy. I received a Bachelor's degree from ºÚÁÏÉçÇø, worked at the Psychiatric department at Children’s Hospital and at the Family and Children’s First Council.  I am currently working on my investments license and pursuing my Masters degree at Miami.

What advice would you give other immigrant ºÚÁÏÉçÇøs?

As an immigrant I personally feel that I have to work twice as hard to achieve my goals. For example, there are always second thoughts on every assignment in making sure that the grammar and the right words are used. Yes, being able to write and verbally express yourself without an accent would be incredible, but you are the way you are and it doesn’t matter what career or path you choose. Remember that there is someone out there that needs your compassion and your experiences to make their own journey. 

You are an immigrant, an inspiration for your ancestors. Not everyone has had the opportunity to have an education. Be proud of yourself and use your privilege to help others. There will be moments of tears and frustration and possible roadblocks but don’t give up. 

At the end you will feel relief and you will know that there are no obstacles that you can’t overcome.