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Abstract: My name is Fabiola Rufino. I am a nineteen year old first-generation freshman here at St Mary's College and this is the story of my journey to get where I am today. I come from a single-parent, immigrant family. My father came to the United States by himself at the young age of fifteen and was unable to finish his education. He has worked hard so that my siblings and I can attain a better life for ourselves, and not have to suffer the hardships he went through. Although we do not have much money, I am able to be here at this institution today because of hard work and sacrifice-- not just from myself but others as well, especially my father.
I have been lucky enough that my father, although not college educated himself, has always held education in high regard and has passed on this value to me, along with his won voracious appetite for success and knowledge.
Working three jobs and with the help of financial aid, my father has been able to keep me out of the public school system and instead placed me in private schools so that I would be better prepared for college. His determination intertwined with my own and with the efforts and encouragement of teachers, family, and friends, and with God's help I have been able to reach my gaol of getting into a good college. Here I plan to double major in English and Spanish and upon gradation make a better life for myself, my family, and my community.
Keywords: first generation, immigrant, father, community, private school education, better life, determination, culture
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