“My name is Karen Vallejos, my story as an immigrant in the United States began when I was just five years old. My parents left Bolivia in hopes of providing me with better educational opportunities. Though I have had many challenges and difficulties, the importance my family and I have placed on education and my passion for social justice have allowed me to excel and become a strong leader within my community. I graduated from Washington-Lee High school with a 3.99 GPA and as a candidate for the International Baccalaureate diploma, and Advanced Studies Diploma, the Governor’s Seal, Virginia’s Board of Education’s Excellence in Civics Education Seal, and with a place in my schools National Honor Society. I was also recently awarded the Princeton Prize in Race Relations Certificate and a place in my elementary school’s Wall of Heroes for my inspirational community work and academic honors in high school. This fall I will be attending Southwestern Adventist University to pursue a double major in Business and International Affairs. Through the pursuit of higher education, I will not only be able to fulfill the goals my parents set upon immigrating to America, but reach a position in life where I can help give back to humanity.”
“My name is Celi Palhua. I am 18 years old and just graduated from Fairfax High School. I am currently attending Northern Virginia Community College and taking summer classes. I am planning to transfer to Virgina Tech Engineering School after I obtain my associates in engineering. I love math and helping others understand the beauty of it, which is why I often volunteer as a math tutor. I also love to play sports and chess. I am from Perú and came to the United States 10 years ago. I love being Peruvian because of the delicious food and our lively culture.”
“My name is Nataly Montaño-Vargas and I was born in Cochabamba, Bolivia. I came to the United States with my mother when I was six years old leaving behind my brother and sister in Bolivia. I graduated from Washington-Lee High School with honors as a full International Baccalaureate student and a Valedictorian with a 4.4 GPA. I am an outgoing, hardworking, and dedicated young Latina that represents her community, school, and family well in our society. I never believed that the challenges I face as an immigrant would pose a threat for me to attend college. I learned how to excel in school and navigate the system. As a result of my hard work, I have been accepted at Texas Tech University where I will study pre-med starting this fall. I hope to one day become a cardiologist and attend medical school to show my parents that all of their work and sacrifice was worth it.”
“I’m Oswaldo Martinez, I’m 18 years old and my home country is México. I came to the US when I was 12 years old. I went to Swanson Middle School and after that I entered Washington-Lee High School. I graduated in June of 2012 and will be attending Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) in the fall of 2012. My plan for the future is going to NOVA for 2 years and transferring to a 4-year college. I haven’t decided what I want to major in, but I’m sure it’s going to be something I enjoy. I’ve lived with my mother in Arlington since 2005. My dad recently moved back to México to open his own business. Both of my parents were born and raised in México. They are from different areas; my mom is from the capital and my father is from Oaxaca. I have no siblings, but I have a lot of friends who became a part of my small family. What I like about being Mexican is how strong my ancestors fought for liberty and to protect their land. Since the beginning of time, the Aztecs were the hardest civilization to conquer. When the French tried to invade México in the fight of Cinco de Mayo, the citizens of Puebla used anything they could to protect their land. In the present time, México has changed a lot; the cartels have ruined the reputation of the country. But, Mexicans aren’t quitters–they won’t stop until this drug war is over. This is what I like most about my heritage.”
“My name is Valeria Mavrich and I emigrated from Bolivia when I was 7 years old. When I arrived in the United States I did not know one word in English, but I quickly adapted. Throughout school, I have taken honors courses and I even took on the challenge of the International Baccalaureate program. This means I took on college level courses throughout high school and was also involved in many extracurricular activities. I enjoy playing volleyball, I have played for my high school team the last 4 years and will probably play club in college. Despite the barriers I endured as an immigrant, I graduated from Robert E. Lee High School with honors and was accepted at Virginia Tech. I plan to study pre-med as I would like to become a pediatric surgeon. I will be the first in my family to attend college in the United States and am grateful for the scholarships and financial support I have so far secured as they will help me realize my college and career dreams. What I like most about my heritage is how close we are as a family, for example how every holiday, no matter how small it is, we always get together and have like a huge family reunion.”
