How have your trials made you stronger? I moved from Mexico to the US on the 4th of July 2016, thinking it would be a great day to move here when everybody is celebrating this country. That celebration soon turned into frustration when I realized that in this nation built by immigrants, immigrants were not welcome.
Moving here meant I had to start from scratch; that fancy school I graduated from back home meant nothing here. After hundreds of rejections, I landed an entry-level position with a salary so low that it was hard to make ends meet, especially with my husband still in school and working part-time at a restaurant. The political climate didn't, the presidential elections of 2016 were in full swing, and the rhetoric towards immigrants was hostile. "Building the wall" and "Mexicans being drug dealers, criminals, and rapists" were common themes. I heard people tell me to "go back to my country" and faced discrimination at work, where I was told not to speak Spanish even though I was hired as a bilingual employee.
I struggled with my identity and sense of belonging. I questioned myself a lot and wondered if I had made a mistake by coming here. But I refused to give up. Instead, I turned all the hostility and challenges into motivation to achieve my personal goals: professional growth and graduate education.
Now, years later, I celebrate who I am and where I come from. I'm proud of my heritage, my culture, my accent, and my story. I embrace my identity as an immigrant and am committed to sharing and educating others about our cultures.
What keeps you strong in times of trial? Knowing that I can inspire others.
I can think of no greater example than my journey to business school. This was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I was met with discouraging test scores, unexpected delays, scams, and personal setbacks, all of which made me question whether or not I was cut out for business school. But, despite it all, I refused to give up.
As a first-generation student, I felt lost when I started my grad school journey. Today, I proudly share my story and lessons learned with other women who may be facing similar obstacles. I mentor and assist them in any way I can; knowing that I can play a small role in other women’s success motivates me to stay strong.
What advice would you give to the next generation of strong women? : Prioritize what matters most to you by setting boundaries and asking for help.
As women, we face many challenges in our personal and professional lives. In our mission to constantly prove ourselves, we end up saying yes to everything, even to things that are not important to us, or worse, that go against the person we want to become. I’m someone who struggles with this very issue, but I've come to realize that saying no to certain opportunities or tasks doesn't make us weak; rather, it helps us prioritize what truly matters to us.
By setting boundaries, we can avoid overcommitting and burning out, and by asking for help, we can delegate tasks, mentor others, and focus on what we do best. Knowing what adds value to our life and letting go of the rest is a true strength.
Cynthia’s Intentional Act of Kindness
How did you use the $100? I donated to the Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center for their education, advocacy, and social justice fund for immigrants in Kitsap County.
Last year, I had the privilege of working with KIAC for my Service Corps elective. I met the passionate people behind the organization who are dedicated to making sure that immigrants in Kitsap County have a better life. Being an immigrant, I have a personal connection to the cause and wanted to spend my $100 supporting that cause.
What was the 'Intentional Act of Kindness' process like for you? It was an absolutely rewarding experience, not only because I witnessed firsthand how much the KIAC and the people in that community are working to grow the organization, but because it also felt like I was completing a cycle. I'm committed to lending a hand to other immigrants and refugees who come here to start a new life but need help getting settled.