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Abstract: Violet Sanders* is an eighteen-year-old Caucasian woman who currently attends Saint Mary’s College. Violet is an only child who was raised by her mother in Sacramento, California and attended Oakridge High School. Due to her father deserting them when she was an infant, Violet has a strong bond and respect for her mother. Overcoming the challenges that single parenting creates, they built a strong companionship, helping support each other whenever necessary. “My mother was definitely my inspiration to continue on to a higher education,” Violet explains.
Although her family originated from Germany, Violet’s mother grew up in Puerto Rico, where furthering her education was not a priority or desire. Her father, a walnut farmer in Northern California, didn’t attend college either. Although neither of her parents attended college, Violet receives strong support from her family to continue her post-high school education. Her parents recognized her intelligence and potential to excel in an area they weren’t familiar with, so they encouraged her to attend a four-year university.
When applying to college, her exceptional grades and participation in extra curricular activities throughout the duration of high school played a key component in her admission. She demonstrated great leadership skills by serving her senior year as the yearbook editor. However, Violet was not one dimensional; she was on the varsity tennis team and was involved with various clubs throughout campus, affecting her peers as a strong role model. These attributes contributed to her financial situation, as she won many scholarships to pay for her college education.
Because the Sanders family was unfamiliar with the college process, Violet demonstrated great independence and maturity in order to successfully apply to higher education. Her intelligence and strong determination has enabled her to continue her education, in hopes of one day obtaining a successful career.
Keywords: first generation, family, Puerto Rico, extra-curricular activities
*pseudonym |
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