A Journey of My Potential

BY AMERICA Rios CARDONA

I was three when I came to the country of endless opportunities and dreams, the U.S.A.

I attended school in the School District of Manatee County, where one-third of students are Hispanic, approximately 19,000 out of 51,000–in Sarasota’s school district is one-fourth (more than 10,000 out of 45,000 students). Though I do not recall much, I remember sitting in the back of my kindergarten classroom. I would hear the students talking in a language I barely understood, yet I was five and still learning. When I did speak, I would speak in Spanglish, Spanish and English simultaneously, mixing words and making up sentences that only I understood in my head. It was not until 3rd grade that my English and reading improved. From a young age, I had to translate various documents for my family, and it was difficult at times because I couldn’t precisely translate English words into Spanish and vice versa. I would look up the definitions of words; that way, if I reencountered the word, I would understand. However, my English, reading, and comprehension improved as the years passed. It took many years of learning and persistence. But, the English language was not the only challenge to my immigrant experience. There was much more.

In 8th grade, the lack of knowledge of possible opportunities available to me seemed faint. My mother would tell me to start thinking about my future and what I could do career-wise. At 13 years old, I thought I couldn’t attend college or receive scholarships because I was an immigrant. Back then, no one had told me of the possibility of going to college with my status until I encountered UnidosNow. I clearly remember that day of freshman orientation. After the orientation, I went inside my high school cafeteria, where all the clubs were set up. A banner caught my eye. The banner had a logo with the words UNIDOSNOW. I approached the table and asked for information about the club and program. I proceeded to ask if I could attend college with my immigrant status. They replied, “Yes.” At that moment, I looked at my mother with light in my eyes and no longer felt like I was being held back from pursuing my dream of achieving a post-secondary education. In my freshman year, I joined the UnidosNow club and became a Future Leaders Academy scholar towards the end of my sophomore year. UnidosNow has provided me with resources that have guided me for college and career

readiness and supported me along the way to achieve my dream. At every step of the way, my family supported me with love and encouragement. I studied diligently, earned good grades, helped my community and peers, and worked hard towards entering college.

I now attend State College of Florida and plan to transfer to a university in the fall of 2024. I intend to major in Business Administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship. I am the President of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club for the SCF Bradenton chapter. I have competed in FBLA at the state and national level, placing second for Business Presentation at states and fifth at nationals.

Being an immigrant has taught me many things. How to be strong, brave, hard-working, and persistent. Though my journey has not been easy, it has been a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs. I have learned to overcome many challenges to this day, not limiting myself in what I want to do.

Now, I will continue to learn, grow, help others, and overcome the challenges presented in my way. Every day is a new day that I am willing to conquer with my full potential.