I am a Mom, Teacher, and Student.
I grew up in a small town in south Texas that had a 97% Hispanic population. Voting was something we just did not discuss. I do not remember being told specifically that I could not vote, but I was told that voting does not matter, college was for the rich, and to always stay quiet and respectful of others. I knew there was an unbalance in wealth and education and felt helpless when it came to changing things around me. I was also passionate about caring for the environment and the community. I saw all around me that Hispanics and the environment were being neglected. While I wanted to fight to change that, I battled with an internal conflict being submissive as I was taught and fighting for change we deserve. It took a long time but I have finally broken down those barriers. I am the first one in my family to receive a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, then a Master's of Art in Education/Science Education, and on May 4th I will walk the stage celebrating the commencement of completing a Doctorate of Education/Leadership degree. As an Environmental Scientist, I understand the importance of caring for the environment. As a mom, I understand the importance of protecting the environment for future generations. As a teacher, I want to inform others of how and why we should protect the environment. As a student, I will never stop learning how to do better for the community, the environment, and myself. Now I believe more than ever that voting is important. If we want to make a change, it's going to take a mom, a teacher, and a student all balled into one strong leader.
