Graduate / Uplift immigrant communities; Law School Personal Statement [2]

Urgent!-Very Honest critique needed for this personal statement for law school

"Suca!" a familiar voice shouted from one of the upper-floor balconies along Calle Simon Bolivar in Cuenca, Ecuador. Panic set in as I recognized the voice of a classmate from the private, catholic school I attended. The Christmas Eve Pase del Nińo procession had stopped moving and I was stuck amidst a multitude of farm workers dressed in traditional indigenous dress, children dressed as various biblical characters, farm animals draped with fruits, and cars whose hoods were adorned with roasted pigs, and chickens. I kept my gaze down as I continued to hear my childhood nickname being shouted. I peered down at two heavy light-brown braids of hair, and a suede pollera, an embroidered skirt with sequined flower decorations at the hem. I was dressed as a "Chola Cuencana," an indigenous woman of the Azuay region of Ecuador. Many times I had witnessed, indigenous woman being ignored by bank tellers, or made fun of by store clerks. Although my family was considered middle- class mestizos, I was afraid of being isolated and ignored because of our close association and championing of indigenous culture. Although, more than half of Ecuador's population is mestizo, the idea of having Indian blood is still considered a sign of impurity. At a young age, I understood that indigenous traditions were often rejected and indigenous people were considered backward country folk.

Ironically, it was not until I moved back to the US that I began to appreciate my heritage. In a country that celebrated diversity, I felt at liberty to accept the uniqueness of Ecuadorian traditions and indigenous people as a defining part of my own identity. The change was not instant. It necessitated my full immersion in Ecuadorian life in the US. In hindsight, it is this commitment that led to my understanding that the promise of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness is far off for some and their realization depends on more than just arriving in the country that promises to uphold them.

Although, many indigenous Ecuadorians migrated to the US, they had not actually abandoned Ecuador. Indigenous Ecuadorian traditions such as the Christmas Eve Pase del Nińo were maintained in the urban neighborhoods of Brooklyn. The Christmas Eve Pase del Nińo procession and feast has taken place in Saint Bridget's church in Brooklyn, New York for the past 7 years. In my high school years, I'd help out by assisting child performers with their traditional garb or by handing out food. Today, I take part in the organization of these events. Raising funds for the procession and feast allows me to visit fellow Ecuadorians in their homes. Over dinner I have listened to stories of discrimination, exploitative labor, poverty, and the difficulty of assimilating to a new country. I'll never forget Christmas of 2008 as it was a true testament to the compassion and unity of our community. Two Ecuadorian immigrants, Jose Sucuzhanay and Marcelo Lucero, had been had been victims of brutal attacks fueled by anti-immigrant hostility two months before Christmas. The attacks were highly publicized and instilled fear and disillusionment within the Ecuadorian community. Although, the victims were not part of our community, vigils were held in their name and donations were sent to their families. I suffered greatly at witnessing the distress of my community as many of them were my friends and family. To observe them come together with such compassion, perseverance, and unity was as humbling as it was inspiring.

Back in Ecuador the indigenous are largely forgotten and ignored by its people and government and it seemed that in the US they were destined to face a similar fate as immigrants. In hindsight, my involvement within this community was tantamount to my inspiration to help empower communities of immigrants. Maintaining continuous interaction with a community of Ecuadorian immigrants has invited me to reflect on the struggles of all immigrants as they struggle to forge a new life in the US. In our indigenous community in Ecuador my grandparents spoke on behalf of the community and lobbied local government to heed to the needs of our people. This contrasted to the situation I witnessed in the US where there was a lack of leadership in immigrant communities. My decision to go to law school has stemmed from feeling impotent while observing the struggle of a community of immigrants. The level of trust and hope that they have developed for me is both overwhelming and empowering. It has forced me to draw upon the principles that were inculcated in me by my grandparents when caring for and leading a community of indigenous Ecuadorians. Just as they matched their values of compassion, generosity, hard work and brotherhood with actions, I plan to use the resources that come with a legal education to help lead and uplift immigrant communities.

Scholarship / 'Ecuadorian culture' How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your academic goals? [3]

Tell us about your academic/career short-term and long-term goals. How has your Hispanic heritage influenced these goals?

Although, I was born in the United States, I spent the first eight years of my life in Ecuador. Growing up in Ecuador made me more Hispanic than I could have ever been if I spent all my life in the United States. Spanish became my first language, I considered Ecuador my country too, rather than just the country my parents came from and I was taught that there is nothing more important than family.

Family value was demonstrated through actions. It was present in the sacrifices everyone made in order to ensure each other's well being. For instance, my father, who had worked two jobs in order to financially sustain my mother and I. It is thorough witnessing these acts of love that I came to understand the tremendous influence my family and heritage would exert on my goals and aspirations.

In most cases, the influence my family has on my life takes the form of high expectation. While, many people might consider high expectations a burden, I have always considered it a constant reminder of what I am capable of achieving. Using their expectations as a boost of confidence, I have already begun to accomplish some of my short term academic goals. I am a first generation college student pursuing a BBA in Finance. My academic achievements have been recognized through scholarships, awards and through my placement in Pace University's Business Honors Program. I feel satisfied knowing that my hard work and dedication are beginning to pay off, yet this feeling will not cloud my focus because this kind of satisfaction generates motivation of its own. After completing my bachelor's degree in Finance, I plan on attending law school where I will specialize in environmental law.

Unfortunately, in our developing world, many corporations are being accused of damaging the environment. A specific case that increased my interest in environmental law is the Aguinda vs. Chevron/Texaco case. Since 2001, Chevron Corporation has drilled oil in Ecuador's Amazon rainforest region. The Corporation is accused of harming the environment and the indigenous inhabitants of Ecuador's Amazon. In the years that I lived in Ecuador, I witnessed the significant role that indigenous people play in upholding Ecuadorian culture. Therefore, in the future, I would like to use my career to help protect not only the environment but also the people and culture that reside in that environment.

Today, I realize how fortunate I am to take part in Ecuadorian culture in the same way that I take part in American culture. I have learned to function in two very different cultures. This quality has taught me not only to value both cultures but also showed me where I come from, defined the person I am today and ultimately helped me figure out who I want to be in the future.