Prompt : Goals Influenced by Hispanic Heritage: *
Tell us about your academic/career short-term and long-term goals.
How has your Hispanic heritage influenced these goals? *
My Essay :
For as long as I can remember, the most significant component of who I am is my heritage. Being Cuban is the experience that has formed who I am and will continue to influence my decisions. After migrating to the United States in 2002, I struggled to learn the language, understand the culture and fit in. My family and I learned to live as Americans while fighting to keep our heritage alive. Back then I thought I had done a magnificent job being Cuban in America. However, two summers ago I realized how wrong I had been.It was the first time I visited Cuba after living in the U.S for almost eight years. But what I found as I drove thru the streets of my hometown was like nothing I remembered. The undeveloped roads matched the broken down homes. Everything looked like the set of an end of the world film. I watched the children play in the street with nothing but soiled shoes. To 14 year old me, this was embarrassing.I was not ashamed of my country, but of myself. I couldn't believe the ignorant bliss I was living in. That summer made me consider that no matter how bad I might I have it, real poverty exists. I also took it upon myself to help make a difference in not only Cuba, but in other underdeveloped countries by one day joining the Peace Corps. I was in no way willing to forget what I had just experienced. It was up to me, as a first generation future college student, to live up to my culture and become educated.Now looking back, it shocks me that I thought staying true to my heritage was about following the "Latin Culture" only. I found that it's about taking wherever you go, the knowledge of where you come from. The attitude of my people has influenced my ability to question the world around me and change what I want changed. My customs have taught me important principles that I will use to positively influence the world around me. I am privileged to come from a background so authentic and live in a country rich in opportunity. This diversity in culture has also aided me in understanding others, a skill that will not only be useful in social environments such as a university but also in the future, when I seek a career in medicine.As a student, I will continue to utilize the lessons I learned not only two summers ago, but also throughout my life here in the U.S. I will take with me a sense of gratitude towards diversity as well as a call to service to the world. Being Cuban has influenced my life and moving to the United States has taught be to adapt, to love to learn, and to always find better for myself as well as others. These are all qualities I have and will contribute to society.
Overall, I like the theme and I enjoyed reading it! I'm currently a Peace Corps volunteer so I loved that you mentioned that.
My main concern is that, to me, it looks like the question is actually asking what are your goals and how has your Hispanic heritage influenced these goals. So, make sure your goals are the backbone of the essay. From what I understood your goals are 1) to make a difference in the states and abroad (Peace Corps) and 2) pursue a career in medicine (doctor, PA, nurse?). The latter was only briefly mentioned so maybe if this is your goal (are you majoring in pre-med?) make that a main point. You could separate your goals into two or three paragraphs then say, for example, why mentioned goal (making a difference in the world) results from your Cuban heritage. Does this mean sense?
Example set up of what I'm trying to say:
Intro Paragraph
First Goal - Maybe a short term goal? With Cuban experience as supporting why
Second Goal - (Make a difference?) "
Third Goal - (Medicine?) "
Conclusion
Reading through your essay again, you have great material! Just try to organize it a little better following the prompt. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!
