College Tuition Gap

College, will be the key to my success. My parents came to this country with nothing but a dream, the American dream. They came with hope for a new life, not knowing what the future would hold. They had to fight for a dream that was not easily accessible for immigrants. They quickly learned that this dream had many obstacles. They struggled with the language and discrimination. My mom, who was a teenager when she came to this country, did not speak English and was traumatized by the war back in El Salvador. She began high school, but after the  11th grade, she had to quit school. She met my Dad and she soon they had their first child, my older sister. My dad, who also arrived with a basic level of English and $10 in his pocket, went to some of high school and then left to pursue a career as an electrician. My parents never complain about their jobs and they’re glad they have them, but just like any parents they want us to do better.

Education has been everything for my siblings and me.  As a Latina, I have and will have to face many challenges but that will never stop me from achieving my goals. So when I'm told that a brown girl like me will never go to college, I fight back by setting my goals high, studying hard and working hard to graduate from college and become a computer scientist. Due to a financial gap, that goal may not be possible.  I am here trying to fight for my education. Hopefully whoever is reading this will be a part of my journey and success. 

Thank you for your attention and consideration.  Anything helps. 


Sincerely,
Kiara Cardona