When I was growing up, I was completely immersed in my culture. Spanish was my first language, and my childhood was filled with culture like Las Posadas, making tamales, driving to our town's tortilla factory to pick up fresh corn tortillas, the smell of chilis in the blender, big family birthdays, piñatas, annual trips to Mexico to visit family or simply to relax, and a million other little things. We moved in with my 'Buelita (she was actually my great-grandmother) when I was about 8 years old, and I spent my nights sleeping curled up next to her short, huggable body, and days playing in the kitchen while she sang and cooked, stirring giant pots bubbling with Mexican culinary masterpieces.
But my 'Buelita died when I was 12. And after that, I began to lose my culture little by little.
I attended excellent schools, and eventually graduated from college with a degree in English - Writing Emphasis and a minor in Social Work. I didn't know where those fields would take me, because I was working as a zookeeper at the time, but I pursued them anyway. For years they settled quietly in the back of my mind, silent dreams waiting to be put to use.
But when my daughter was born, something beautiful happened. My sweet, love-filled childhood came back with a vengeance. Memories long forgotten surfaced and I was heartbroken that my own children would never know those wonderful traditions, would never experience those cultural ties that bind us together with our families and friends in such meaningful ways. I was afraid that my kids would not learn to think about how others struggled to survive yet found happiness even in hardship. That they would never experience laughter in friendships built on shared culture, traditions, and even language. So I found my college education again and put it to work.
Today I am a writer. I write about education for Latino families. I'm working to make a difference, not just in my own children's lives, but those of others, too. And I was trained by excellent schools, but inspired by my children and my heritage.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about college, but worried about the financial aspect of it, then you should know about the Coca-Cola #DestapaSuFuturo campaign. Coca-Cola has had an extraordinary relationship with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund for more than 30 years and are committed to helping them meet their goal of having a college degree in every Latino household by the year 2025. Through the Uncap Their Future Scholarship program, more than $300,000 in scholarships will be awarded.
From now through October 31st, students can apply for a scholarship at www.hsf.net/cocacola by answering three thought-provoking essay questions. Students must reflect on how their heritage affects their career goals, the importance of education in their lives and their community service experiences.
Hurry and spread the word, because students only have 12 days left to apply for this scholarship!
Be inspired. Make the decision to go to college. Follow your dreams and don't let little (or big!) things hold you back.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Coca-Cola and Latina Bloggers Connect.