During Pride month, it is important to remember how to be an ally for the LGTBQ+ community. There are many ways to be an ally, but it is especially important to:
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By: Victoria Lopez
Four years ago it was my goal to have a B.S. in Biochemistry. When school became difficult, I had to remind myself of my goal to keep myself motivated. Many times I wondered if having a college degree was meant for me. I struggled with imposter syndrome and doubted myself along the way despite excelling in my classes. Now that I have graduated, I’ve been able to truly reflect on what graduating college meant to me. As a Latina, it meant realizing that it was not just a blessing but also the result of my hard work. In my culture, working hard is always expected, but it is something we take pride in. However, “work” and “school” are often viewed as two separate concepts. Even though I was working very hard in school, I felt like I would have been appreciated more if I was working a full-time job instead. For a long time, I felt guilty for having the chance to go to college while my family mainly worked. It made me feel privileged, and I think I was and still am. You’re probably thinking: what? A privileged Latina? Underrepresented in her field both by culture and gender, first generation student - how is she privileged? If there’s anything that makes me feel privileged, it’s the undying support that I’ve had from my family these past four years. They always believed in me more than I believed in myself. Every stressed finals week I recall my family saying: “you’ve already learned everything, you got it” or “you’ll be fine” or “good luck on your test.” It made all the difference in helping me believe in myself. While the degree has my name on it, I would not have it if it weren’t for my family. If you’re a first-generation student like me, take the time to explain things to your family: what the degree means, what doors it could open for you, the things you have to do to prepare for life after college, etc. I did this along the way of getting my degree, and it feels like the more they understand your goals, the more supported you feel. Having support and encouragement from someone outside of the academic setting was very refreshing for me and they never failed to motivate me. It is well-known that first-gen students feel pressured to succeed to compensate for their families' sacrifices. While I did experience this pressure, I felt less pressured and more motivated knowing that my family understood and supported my goal. I am proud to say that not only did I graduate college, but I will continue on to grad school with the same love and support that my family gave me during undergrad. |