Looking back and seeing it has been three years since I’ve graduated high school has made me reflect about the ups and downs that I’ve experienced in my life. Being a college student and the first in my family to attend college has been one of my biggest accomplishments. Of course this wouldn’t mean anything if it wasn’t for the love and support of my parents who moved to the United States 22 years ago from a small town in Oaxaca, Mexico to Seattle, Washington. Ever since, they have worked hard at their jobs to always provide my siblings and I with everything necessary.

I believe opportunity, sooner or later, comes to all who work hard and wish big. This has been my case. In high school I did well in academics and going to college was a priority. As excited as I was, I knew nothing about applying to universities, scholarships, or financial aid. However, my school counselor mentioned a scholarship and I decided to apply. A couple of months later I received a phone call that I had been awarded the scholarship. I remember running to my mother with tears of joy and letting her know about the good news, she told me how proud she was. In fall of 2009, I enrolled at a community college with the help of a scholarship and my part-time job, which helped pay for the rest of tuition and expenses. Throughout my first year of college I felt accomplished and savvy. As for academics, I decided to take criminal justice, political science classes, and these classes sparked an interest on the criminal justice field.

I recall how I would never missed America’s Most Wanted, a show that I believe served justice to a lot of victims. I didn’t necessarily see myself as a police officer, but I knew I wanted to help victims. Another factor that made me interested in criminal justice was simply the fact that it is a male-dominant career, but I believe it is time to break those barriers because those days are over. Women like me are ready to take action.

I completed my two-year degree and graduated with honors from Highline Community College, I could not explain the excitement and joy that came from my parents and two siblings. I had a 3.9 GPA the first year in college and working 30 hours a week at my job wasn’t easy. As I was getting closer to graduating with my Associate of Arts degree, the only thing in my mind were my next college applications. I applied to my top three universities and receiving the letters of acceptance from all three made me anxious and excited to continue my education.

I am a junior at the University of Washington in the Tacoma campus where I will be obtaining my bachelors degree in criminal justice with a minor in law and policy. Together with the small percentage of Latinos at the University, we are actively working in expanding our club ‘Latino Student Organization’. I’m also very excited to be president of the first Latina sorority, Delta Tau Lambda - which is being developed in the UW campus. By far, my most important goal that I have yet to achieve after graduating with my bachelors degree is taking the LSAT and applying to law school.

I see I have the advantage of being born in the U.S. and being able to go to college is a great opportunity. I envision myself serving justice for the community, particularly the Hispanic community, whom struggle with so many injustices. I want to stand up for individuals who deserve to have rights and have a better life. As a Latina, I want to be a part of those positive changes and be the voice for many Hispanics. This is also an opportunity for me to create diversity in the criminal justice field. It is time to bring down the thoughts and stereotypes that all Latinos are criminals or lack education. There are Latinas who are hardworking and successful and want to make a difference, like myself.