My decision to go to college was one that my family supported, but they never thought it would actually happen for the fact that it seemed out of their reach.
Last semester, I interviewed my grandpa about my family’s immigration to the United States for a class project. He had to relive his journey across a desert with my grandma and their first daughter in their arms for me. Then I had to ask them the obvious question, “Why did you do it?”
It was a long, emotional response that ended with both of us in tears, and was the most vulnerable we had ever been together. To sum it up, he said, “I did it for my children and my grandchildren to have a better life than I could.”
As the second-oldest cousin, I’m the role model, reference and resource to all of my younger cousins for college. It can be a bit exhausting, but I know that I wouldn’t want them to make any avoidable mistakes with financial aid, deciding a major or deducing how high of a priority dorms should be to them.
I know that people were asking me questions about the college I wanted to attend, but they only scratched the surface of what I should have been looking for. Since I’m immersed in the four-year experience, I’ve noticed I missed out on some smaller details that I would have considered when it came to planning my years in higher education.
Not only that, but I also felt stranded when I first came to Bradley. I am a first generation student, yes, but I also moved from Las Vegas, Nevada to Peoria, Illinois. Going back home was no easy drive or cheap flight.
If I was homesick or wanted a home-cooked meal, a queen size bed to sleep in, birthdays to celebrate or just to be with my family, those moments were traded for dining hall meals, twin-size mats and campus events. It was a sacrifice I had to make with few people that understood.
While I was daring in going to school so far away in a city I barely knew to get a degree, I know it’s not for nothing. I do it for them, just like my grandparents had taken the risk for my family in the first place.
With my time here at Bradley, I was able to accomplish my lifelong dream of being paid to write as the news editor at The Scout. My work has gotten me recognized and led to an internship being lined up for this summer. I’ve made dean’s lists twice while in the pandemic, and I can honestly say I feel the most accomplished I’ve ever been so far.
I’ve shocked myself with how far I’ve pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone, but I know the work that I’ve put in is proof of my worthiness and my achievements. Going to Bradley isn’t just the first step toward my goals, but to also inspire my loved ones and make them proud.
