Education to me is very important. It took me a long time to graduate from university, but I did it. I moved from Peru to the States when I was 9 years old. The doctors told my mom that they weren’t sure if I could learn English. But 3 years later, I was speaking with all my school friends.

My mom homeschooled me for 3 years during middle school to prepare me for high school. I ended up going to public high school, where I started in the special education classes. After a month, the school moved me to regular classes and eventually; They placed me in honors classes.
I received a scholarship my freshman year of high school to go to a private high school of my choice and there was one near my house that I wanted to attend. Unfortunately, the school rejected me because of accessibility. They had one classroom on the second floor and no elevator. So, I stayed in my high school and graduated with my sister.

I enrolled myself into community college, where I had a dream of being a fashion merchandiser.
After completing my Associates of Arts degree, I was ready to go to the institute of my dreams. It was going to be expensive, but I was determined. While I was finishing up the application, the school’s administration staff called me in for a meeting. I left the meeting crying because they suggested I should change my career path because of my disability. They were concerned that I wouldn’t be able to pass the sewing course. I left that meeting crying and withdrew my application from the school.
Following this, I applied to the fashion management program at Lynn University. Not only was I accepted, but received a scholarship for their program. I was so happy I did not allow the other school to determine my dreams and goals. Even though I had a scholarship, I still had to get an educational loan. Which after 10 years, I successfully paid off. It felt amazing to accomplish this by myself and live debt free. I have overcome many obstacles in my life, but getting my bachelor’s degree was one of my greatest accomplishments.

My ability to bounce back and stay determined to accomplish my educational goals was driven by my family and friends.