Living in a different country for more than half of my life has definitely been an experience that has shaped who I am today. Growing up in Guatemala gave me a certain set of ideals and values that I would’t have otherwise. I value hard work, dedication and success. These three things are what I hope to stick to or achieve throughout my life. My Dad has been my role model since I can remember. He’s a hardworking man who has given his family all they need and more no matter what sacrifices he had to make along the way. Being part of my family’s first generation to go to college there’s a lot expected from me, and I am not willing to disappoint. Both my parents raised me with great morals and values and I just hope to make them proud.

I am aware that college will be challenging and that it require me to go out of my comfort zone sometimes. I know that the next four years will demand a lot from me and expose me to ideas and things I haven’t been exposed to before. This is exciting but at the same time a bit overwhelming. College, at one point, seemed a bit like a dream to me. Now that I have the opportunity to actually be here I hope to take full advantage of it. I also hope to find a way to manage my time adequately and not forget what is really important for me, my family and my closed ones.

-Edgar