Alisson Ramirez Sanchez

“Tú si lo puedes” is a recycled phrase I’ve heard about a million times, words that were meant to motivate were empty of the weight I carried. Born in an immigrant family, I was, from birth, given a setback. I came into this world already wearing labels: non-English speaking parents, first-generation student, financially disadvantaged student. From the start, it felt like I was running a race with weights tied to my ankles.
These labels didn’t just describe what I grew up hearing, it was my reality. I was the one having to carry my parents’ dream and sacrifices. I had no one to help me; I had to be all of it: the translator, the problem solver, the adult. I had to figure out my own homework by myself, translate report cards, explain letters the school had sent, and read bills. I remember once telling my parents with pride, “Ma, soy el numero 6 entre mas de 800 estudiantes, mi promedio es muy alto.” Their response was a simple, firm “Qué es eso?” I was trying to share a part of my success, a result of all my sleepless nights, studying, and tears; I felt unseen. Still, despite everything, one thing that always motivated me to keep going was the sight of my parents coming home from work with their clothes soaked in sweat, hands worn out, a heavy tan, yet they had the biggest smile on their faces. The image served as a simple but powerful reminder of why I had to keep studying. Even though they didn’t understand my achievement, I would understand that it carried my parents’ dream they had left behind in their country, the dream to learn, to build a life, to have choices they never had: an education, a career. I learned that although I might not have the same support as others, I could stay driven, support myself, and find pride in everything I accomplish, no matter how small.
Although I’ve faced adversity, as a non-English speaking, first-generation, financially disadvantaged student, it has molded me into a person who refuses to give up. They taught me to find strength even when I might feel unseen. I now carry my parents’ dream not as a burden, but as motivation, because I know how far I can go.