Happy National Women’s Day. I am proud to be a woman and to have grown up in a household of only women. My mom, grandmother and three younger sisters have been absolute blessings in my life. I was privileged enough to grow up around different generations of women in my family. I’ve been able to learn a lot about the culture of my heritage from the generations before me, as well as see the changes each generation of women has brought to our family.

Growing up with my grandma allowed me to immerse myself in Nicaragüense women culture. From a very young age I learned how to make tortillas, how to make national dishes from Nicaragua and how to hand wash my clothes the way she grew up doing it. Though I don’t implement all the things she taught me in my everyday life, they are lessons that I cherished as a kid and that are very essential to my cultural education. Even though she was instrumental in teaching me those basic life skills growing up, she’s never let me forget that education should be my number one priority.

I was the first born child of my generation in the family, so I’ve always had pressure to complete some form of higher education. My grandma very early on made sure I was ahead of the curve. She taught me basic mathematics and cursive in the first grade. Since then, I’ve always made sure to focus on my education. I know it’s a privilege, both as a Hispanic and as a woman.

I’m considered a first generation student since neither of my parents finished college. I grew up in a single mother household, so I saw the sacrifices my mom had to make every day. She also reminds me constantly of the importance of finishing college and getting a four year degree. Though stressful at times, it’s motivating to know that when I do finally get to the finish line, I’ll make more than one generation of women in my family proud.

I’m at the point now in my education where I can transfer out of community college to a four year university. I’ll be officially graduating from Santa Monica College in June, and although I still don’t know where I plan on transferring to, I truly can’t wait for the opportunities that lie ahead in a male dominated field. Sports journalism and broadcasting comes littered with challenges, however, I’m more than ready to take on anything that comes my way. I can’t wait to be able to make a difference as a Hispanic woman in this field and look forward to greater things to come.

Happy International Women’s Day