Hispanic Family Influence

Being the oldest first-generation child of a Hispanic family has had the greatest influence in my education. When my parents immigrated to the US, they did not know English and had only received primary education. As a result, I had no one at home that could help with my school work. Although learning English was difficult, I knew it had to be learned fast so I would not fall behind in school and become the translator my parents desperately needed. Even at a young age, I knew education was essential. Furthermore, my family constantly faced economic difficulties due to poverty. To provide enough for our family, my father worked two jobs and was rarely at home. I helped my mother by doing many chores and aiding my four siblings. When I began
Aware of the economic struggles my parents faced, I decided to work and pay for all of my expenses. Every summer, since I was twelve, I decided to work alongside my parents harvesting cherries. Cherry harvest consisted of carrying buckets that weighed twenty-five pounds up steep hills and tall ladders for seven hours a day. It was the hardest physical activity I had ever done. Being such an exhausting job, I expected it to yield immense benefits. It did not, as my parents had done this job every summer and could barely provide our basic necessities. The wages they earned were never enough to buy a home or secure a savings account. Every major event in my life has shaped who I am, particularly, how I approach my academics. Helping my family has made me selfless. I strive to help others first, whenever possible. Balancing family and school work has made me a reliable person who always perseveres. Working with my parents has allowed me to value, appreciate and take advantage of every educational opportunity. Acquiring an education is critical to me because it gives value to all of my parents’ hard work. I have learned that everything should be done with compassion and no obstacle is