“They [Warner Pacific and Act Six] provided me with the financial assistance to attend college and graduate free of debt.”
I am a true believer that sharing our stories deeply transforms us, changes the narrative of our community, and heals the world. The #Shareyourstory series is dedicated to highlighting diverse stories of Latinx individuals making a significant difference in their community. Learn more about Jose’s story below!
Pronouns:He/Him/ His
Work Title (s) : Enrollment Counselor at Warner Pacific College
Favorite Quote: “Usted Puede Saber lo que dijo pero nunca lo que el otro escucho” –Jacques Lacan
Who is Jose ? Even though I was born in the USA, my parents took me to Mexico when I was really young. Spanish was my first language and Mexican my first culture. I was raised in Michoacán, Mexico in a small town called Pedregoso. From a very young age my mom always taught me that education was the key to success, even when she had only gone to third grade. At the age fourteen, I moved to the US to attend school and create a better future for me and my family. Both of my parents’ encouragement was for me to go as far as I could. This could mean I dropped out of school the next day or that I would go to college. The line was never clear but the responsibility was all on me. I attended Forest Grove High School where there was little cultural diversity and I was challenged as a teenager to find my place in society and in my culture. My senior year in high school I earned a full ride-leadership- scholarship to Warner Pacific College. I was able to attend college where I learned to pride myself in my culture, my knowledge, and in the learning process. As I continue to grow and develop both personally and professionally, I seek to create opportunities for students and families to thrive through education and leadership.
Did you attend college? If so, how did that impact your life?I attended Warner Pacific College under the Act six Scholarship. Both Warner Pacific and the Act six Initiative Scholarship impacted my life through allowing me access to higher education, network connections and unconditional love and support. They provided me with the financial assistance to attend college and graduate free of debt. Through different programs and involvement opportunities I was able to gain the confidence, life skills, and professional development to be a competitive candidate for many jobs. Going to college also helped me to learn how to relate to people and it re-enforced my values of respect and honesty. Attending Warner Pacific College of was the most important decisions I have ever made, as my education and my ability to network has been key in my professional and personal development.
What has been the biggest challenge you have had to overcome? One of my biggest challenges, even now, is the English language. Coming to the US at a later age made it more difficult for me to fully adapt to the American culture and more so to learn the language. Since English is not my first language I have always struggled in my ability to clearly read and write; however, I work on this every day and I do not let language challenges obstruct my growth. Instead, I view being bilingual as one of my biggest strengths.
What is the one thing you are working on daily? One of the things I want to accomplish is positivity. Life is always better with an optimistic mindset. Often times, I find myself having difficulties being positive as I am a very realistic and analytic person. Although my personality if perceived as outgoing and cheerful, many times I find myself being challenged by experiences that lead me to believe there is little to be optimistic about; However, I believe my mission is bigger than any one experience I can have and if it is not for me, I look for positivity in the people I love.
One piece of advice you wish someone would have given you during college or professional career? Back in college I used to think there was a magic formula to accomplish success and that success looked the same for everyone. I used to believe and blindly follow advice from those whom I considered successful. Looking back, I wish someone would have told me about my uniqueness. Every person, every story, and everyone’s potential are unique. As such, we all have the opportunity to find success in our own way.
What is your favorite kind of coffee?Irish Cream Latte from City Coffee in downtown Portland.
En Solidaridad,
Araceli
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE A LEADER IN YOUR COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTED ON THIS BLOG PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME.
Σχόλια