Iam a first-generation American,
veteran, and college student. My
father first came to the United States
from Mexico in 1976. Just like any other
immigrant family, my parents came to the U.S.
with hope. And even though we didn’t grow up
with much, my parents were able to teach my
siblings and I various intangible lessons such as
the value of hard work and perseverance.
I grew up in a small-town East of Dallas, TX.
I first started school when I was three years old
through the local head-start program, and I have
been passionate about learning since. I graduated
from high school in 2011, where I finished within
the top 15 percent of my
class. I was an honor
graduate, and a member of
my high school’s National
Honor Society chapter. I had
plans to attend a 4-year
university, but that was until I
saw the dollar amount of a
college degree.
Growing up I never
pictured myself joining the
Air Force, but it was the best
decision I could have made
for myself, and I knew that my
efforts would pay off in the
long run. I enlisted because I
wanted to be a part of
something big, and I wanted
to live a life I could be proud of
30-50 years down the road.
USAF Basic Military Training Graduation, 2012.
I served a 4-year active duty enlistment with
the Air Force. I spent most of my enlistment at
Barksdale, AFB where I worked for the 20th Bomb
Squadron. The 20th is a B-52 Flying Squadron,
and my role within my unit was Command
Support Staff. I was primarily in charge of our
personnel evaluations and awards. I really enjoyed
the people I was surrounded by in my unit. They
were like a second family to me and were nothing
but supportive when I decided I wasn’t going to
reenlist. The thought of going back to college was
both exciting and terrifying. I did take some
20th Bomb Squadron Change of Command, 2015.
courses throughout my enlistment, but due to my
work-life balance, I could only manage one class
per semester. I came back home to Texas and
started attending The University of Texas at Dallas.
Not knowing anyone at my school, I instantly
became familiar with the Military and Veterans
Center, where I was able to connect with other
student veterans who were like me.
Being a non-traditional student on campus
can be challenging. You’re a minority and it can be
difficult trying to communicate with professors
who are used to tailoring their lectures towards
traditional students. As a result, I have served on
USAF Basic Military Training
Graduation. January, 2012.
a committee along with UTD staff who are
committed to improving campus life for student
veterans.
My stride to success is one that has taken
many routes. If there’s anything I want to get
across to the reader, is that it’s okay to take
detours at times! I always knew I wanted to go to
college, but I never wanted to be a financial
burden to my family. I’m still on track to where I
want to go, I’m just older and wiser. LS
Want to comment or have any questions on
this article? Email us at info@latinastyle.com
College Beat
My Journey to a College Education
By Bibiana Ojeda
President, Student Veterans
Association,
The University of Texas at
Dallas
44 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 24, No. 6, 2018
/www.latinastyle.com
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