Christian

My family and I share a driving motivation to better ourselves, and I believe that this has allowed us to overcome the setbacks and disadvantages we have experienced. Both of my parents are Ecuadorian immigrants who traveled to this country in hopes of a better life. In Ecuador, their opportunities were limited due to poverty, and I am always reminded of their struggle to venture into a new world and start from scratch. Even though I cannot compare to that struggle, I imagine my college and professional career in a similar way. I have a limited knowledge of what is ahead, and “start from scratch” when trying to learn how to assimilate into the professional world. With the work ethic I acquired from my mother and father, I always try to go above and beyond in everything that I do. 

The greatest thing my parents and entire family have given me is the support to pursue anything that I am interested in, but they do stress the importance and the privilege of an education. My parents did not have the opportunity to get past an intermediate school level, so understanding my academic career progression is a completely new experience for them. I was lucky to have my older brother to help me until I got to high school, but unfortunately he did not complete his high school education. I felt intense pressure to do well in school because of all my parents had done for me, which developed into a fear of failure. Over the years, I transformed that fear into a form of self-motivation.  Ultimately, I want to pursue a career in finance, to be the best person I can be, and to return the support my parents have given me.

NYNY drives me to succeed beyond what I could have imagined before entering the program.  It has opened my eyes to information and opportunities that I would not have been exposed to this early in my career, and it has allowed me to meet a new group of people with similar ambitions, aspirations and goals.  With the amazing volunteers, coaches, and my wonderful Mentor-Coach, I have the guidance and support it takes to reach all of my goals.