I was born in El Salvador, during the early 1980's, in the backdrop of the great civil war that tore my native country apart. My mother was severely traumatized by the events she witnessed that she migrated to the United States, to a country where she hoped I would have the best opportunities to thrive and survive. Growing up as the eldest of three, I was always being pushed to be the role model for my younger sisters, and excellence was demanded from me. I was determined to make my parents proud.
Continuing to prove to my parents that I was determined to excel; I entered the California State University of Los Angeles (CSULA), and I thought my life was planned out for the years to come; three years and a half for my biology Bachelor's degree, and two years later I would have a Master's degree. Suddenly, due to my immigrant status, I was prompted to procure employment. To add insult to injury, my biggest dilemma was that I had no experience in the workforce. I was raised in a sheltered home, where I was not allowed to work before high school because I was a girl. I had to fund my education, help my family, and begin the process for permanent residency. My parents were indifferent that I was leaving school and I realized they had no intentions on me becoming a professional or have a real career. Moreover, based on my mother's upbringing in a different culture that does not place emphasis on the empowerment of women, she was happy with me being a secretary, or a receptionist, something she considered suitable for a woman. I was convinced that I was set up to fail by my own mother. I know now that she was only projecting a system of values that she was taught, and perpetuating her socialized oppression onto me. It was up to me to break through their expectations. I would get myself through college and challenge the patriarchal roles I was supposed to fill.
I am convinced I am a product of persistence and perseverance. Eleanor Roosevelt once said "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." By persisting, not only did I become a permanent resident, but I also continued my education and participated in various clubs while working multiple jobs. Through every experience I have learned valuable life lessons. I have seen fear in the form of adversity and have persevered. I am determined to become a professional in the field of Women's Studies and a beacon of strength, power, and change to help other women find their way. As a woman of color, I believe feminist issues and social injustices are human issues, therefore, everyone has a vested interest in feminism.
