"I am in the process of becoming the woman of my dreams."
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 Sandra's story below!
Pronouns:She –Her- Hers
Work Title (s): Ph.D. Candidate in Sociology at Columbia University
Favorite Quote: “Close mouths don’t get fed”
Who is Sandra? I am a PhD candidate in sociology at Columbia University, a 2017 National Science Foundation GRFP Fellow, a 2015 PD Soros Fellow, and I hold an M.A. in Sociology from Columbia University, and B.A. in Sociology (high honors) from the University of California, Berkeley. I am also the only child of a former incarcerated undocumented immigrant who was recently deported, and of a depressive mother. I openly share my story so that Latina women who grew up with limited economic resources and with a lack of emotional support know that it is possible to be in charge of their life, and to fulfill their dreams. For me, it is important to create avenues so that people who come from disadvantaged backgrounds can access resources that will allow them to flourish. Through my work, I explore how low income individuals navigate elite spaces (universities and workplaces). I study access to wealth because I think that, while studying poverty is important, we also need to understand the mechanisms through which people who have been historically marginalized in different societies become upwardly mobile.
Did you attend college? If so, how did that impact your life? I believe in the power of education because it transformed my life. I escaped a violent home and moved to California with 35 dollars in my pocket, six books in my backpack, and my green card in my wallet. I started waiting tables, and soon made enough money to rent a room in downtown Berkeley. One day a customer told me about Berkeley City College (BCC), a place where I could take classes and meet interesting people. When I found out that BCC was temporarily located in the basement of a Ross, Dress for Less store I was disappointed. Still, I signed up for classes. Little did I know that the classes in that basement would completely change my life. At BCC, I grew into my Latina immigrant woman identity. I transferred to the University of California, Berkeley where the support of my mentors was key when working towards my undergraduate degree, and when conducting research and writing my honors thesis. Privileged people will never understand how important it is for first generation students to get a college degree. When you are the first one in your family to graduate from college, you feel that you can overcome any obstacle in your life.
What has been the biggest challenge you have had to overcome? I fell into a terrible depression last year, after my father was released from federal prison and deported. His deportation opened up a huge wound I had being ignoring for along time: that I grew up in a home full of violence, and where I was constantly neglected. I guess I am one of those people who mastered survival skills, and that everyone calls resilient. I am a resilient woman indeed, but I reached a point in which I could no longer pretend to be superwoman. I reached out for professional help, and allowed myself to grieve my childhood. Fighting with my demons and memories was, by far, my biggest challenge. I am proud of myself, because I am now much more strong, confident, and I am in the process of becoming the woman of my dreams.
What is the one thing you are working on daily? I am working on becoming a more positive and organized person. To do that, I go to therapy, I exercise, and I draw firm boundaries with toxic people. I try spending time with positive friends and family members, and remind myself that I am more important than anyone and anything else. Self-care sounds like a simple concept, but it is hard to make it a habit. I am working on it on a daily basis.
One piece of advice you wish someone would have given you during college or professional career? There will be a lot of people who will discourage you while you try to make your dreams come true. Take instant action to protect your space and energy. At community college, one professor told me I would never get into Berkeley. I dropped that professor’s class the next day. An aunt told me I could never afford college, and that I had to just keep on waiting tables. I never talked to her again. Set very high goals for yourself. You will always fail, but you cannot stop trying. The first time I was denied a scholarship for my undergraduate education, I called and asked to speak with the program director to ask him for feedback. I listened carefully to the feedback, and told him that I would really appreciate it if they put me on a waitlist. I got a call back next week, and I got the scholarship. Never underestimate the power within you.
What is your favorite kind of coffee? Hands down, café con leche. Genmaicha tea and Earl Grey con leche makes me very happy too!
En Solidaridad,
Araceli
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