College from a First-Generation Perspective
Beat
By Yaratzeth Ortiz
College Texas Woman’s University (Denton, TX)
Graduated August 2020
Major in Biology and Minor in Chemistry
“El tÌtulo mas valioso que
you, there comes a moment where you start feeling
puedes tener en la vida
a little more like an adult and realize how to deal with
es ser ‘buena persona'.
all of this.
No te lo da la universidad, te lo otorgan
I’m thankful that at 22 years old I have
tus valores.” My name is Yaratzeth Ortiz, I’m a
accomplished several aspects in life as a
Microbiologist and first-generation college graduate
professional, and we should all be conscious that life
from Texas Woman’s University with a major in Biology
continues, even if one goal might have already been
and a minor in Chemistry.
met for now. Although college might seem scary, it’s
Being a first-generation college student is hard,
simply just another obstacle given by life itself, it’s up
having to pave your own path is hard, but everything
to you to choose how to overcome it. LS
feels so easy when God gives you hope, wisdom,
family, friends, and love to build that path with.
Want to comment or have any questions on this
College has taught me that obstacles will always
article? Email us at info@latinastyle.com
be around every corner, but obstacles are not
impossible to overcome. God has taught me that
everything with him is possible. My parents have
taught me that unconditional love will get me
Yaratzeth Ortiz, Denton, TX, 2020.
through the hard days. My friends have taught me
that taking a break and enjoying life is possible, as
long as you remain focused on your objectives. My
family taught me that no matter the distance or
the time spent apart, family will always be there for
you. Because that’s what college is. Overcoming
obstacles, having God by your side, having parents
that love you, having friends that will make days fun,
and having family that supports you unconditionally.
College is a luxury that not everyone can afford,
and it takes a lot of mental strength to simply get
your foot in the door. Being a first-generation college
student has been challenging. The biggest challenge
was to learn how to be independent, broadening my
horizons, and having control of myself in several
different aspects.
Before you start college, you are used to your
parents doing (almost) everything for you and when
you enter college and realize that you have to
start doing everything for yourself, by yourself. Like
cleaning, cooking, laundry, studying, etc. College
makes you expand your horizons physically,
mentally, and intellectually. You realize that your brain
is growing and becoming mature all while seeing
every single different aspect of life because you
never know if tomorrow something will help you
expand your horizons exponentially. Once you learn
to do this, you learn to separate your priorities, which
is to focus on school, while keeping your eyes open
to all the bad influences around you. When you learn
Yaratzeth with her family, (L-R), Alan Ortiz, Yaratzeth Ortiz, Valeria Ortiz, Maria
to control all of these obstacles that life throws at
Martinez, Homero Ortiz, at TWU’s Turn Your Tassel at the Top. Dallas, TX, 2020.
44 www.latinastyle.com LATINAStyle Vol. 27, No. 1, 2021
/www.latinastyle.com
link
