I think during my entire childhood there has been an expectation towards me as the only child to be born in the US in my family. As I was told over and over to succeed, to bring pride to my family, to take advantage of the opportunity I was given as an American Citizen. It was engraved in my brian the sacrifices my family made for me. The people and their lives they left behind so that I could have a chance at a different life. Seems like a lot of pressure to put on a young girl, but it taught me so much. I was always told I seemed so grown up, so mature. It was because I had to be, Spanish was the only language I could speak until I was around 7 when I learned english. I signed, read, and filled out all the government documents my parents needed. I was a translator at 8 years old. To this day my mom still sends me emails to proofread. Not only that but the independence I grew at a young age made everyone around me feel like they could count on me. Even when I didn’t know how to do something, I taught myself how to do it. So I wouldn’t depend on anyone and I didn’t have to be a burden. My parents worked 2-3 jobs at times and I would stay alone and cook, sew my clothes, and clean before my parents got home so they would have something less to worry about. I always admired my parents’ bravery and the sacrifices they made. So I never saw myself as brave, Until I left. I took a leap of faith and came to Bucknell alone and with the dream to be the first person to graduate from college in my family. I left everything behind, my family, my friends, my comfort, my home. All because I also have a dream to get the career I want and to set an example for the family that comes after me. To inspire them like my parents inspired me. Before I left my mom gave me a matching butterfly ring to symbolize that me and her flew away to create a future for ourselves. And that no matter what we can always fly back.