2019 Recipients: Please click on one of the following names to read their inspirational story!

• Ibixica Alvarez
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    Growing up I was always conscious about my family's financial situation. As I grew older, I learned about my parents’ history and how meaningful it is. They grew up in poverty, earned little money working long hours in the heat, and death was normal at any age and day. My parents moved from their native countries to America so they could escape that life and build a new and better one for our family. I am half Salvadorian and half Mexican and I am proud of that. There are seven people in my family and that has not stopped my parents from working hard and sacrificing their time and money for all of us. The reason why I was even able to consider college, apply, and then be accepted was because of my parents determination for change.

    This coming fall I will be attending Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) for not only my family, but for my culture. I will be pursuing the medical field and my professional goal as a bilingual Hispanic, is to provide diversity in the workforce; by developing communication skills, advocating, engaging in community outreach, and decreasing patient barriers. I thank God for providing me a loving family, supportive community, and the opportunity to not only change my life, but others as well.

• Mariana Contreras
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    My family and I are from Mexico City. A densely populated area in which jobs are scarce, crime is high, and people are constantly worrying about where their next meal may come from. My dad immigrated to the United States in search of a job, a place where he could earn enough to provide for my mom and me. He left in order to help us; however, he saw the opportunity that resided there. He saw how much lower crime was, how the US was overflowing with jobs, and how everyday he wasn't worrying about where his next meal would come from. And, so we made a decision that would change our lives forever. My mom and I immigrated as well, and together again, we started a new life. A better one.

    My parents made the fearless decision to cross me over because they wanted me to have a better shot at an education, and overall, a chance at a better life. I strive to get an education because I want to show other DACA recipients que si se puede. That regardless of all the obstacles that are thrown at us, that we too can get a higher education. I strive to get an education because I want to use this opportunity that my parents gave me and create change in my community, I want to show my parents that their efforts were not in vain.

    During my high school career, I juggled around sports, a social life, work, and challenged myself by taking as many AP classes as I could. I knew that eventually all of my hard work would come in handy, which brings me to today. All of my hard work is being recognized and propelling me forward. I will pursue my dreams in college and I will make my parents proud. I plan on attending Western Oregon University and studying in the field of education. There I will continue my journey and become a role model and inspiration for others. I will show other Latinx students that it is possible, that we can do it.

• Priscilla España
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    When my mom first told me what deportation was, and that it could happen to her at any moment, I was confused, to say the least. I didn’t understand why laws that had the power to separate families even existed in the first place, and quite frankly, I still don’t. However, I now possess knowledge that I didn’t at six and believe that through responsible government policies and advocacy, we can move towards a country in which laws that once separated families are simply remembered as being inhumane.

    After earning degrees in Communications and Political Science, I plan on going into a career in which I can actively help those with families like mine. After a few years of experience in the field, I will start a non-profit organization that focuses on helping undocumented families, or have a stable position as a public relations specialist, in which I can make sure that the Latinx perspective is actively being taken into consideration in the bigger picture.

    My desire to help families like mine stems from the fact that I was unable to grow alongside my mom. At a young age, I moved from Mexico to the U.S. with my father, so that I could pursue a better education. Though this decision has significantly shaped the person that I am today, I nevertheless believe that this is a decision no 11-year-old should ever have to make. Because of this, I will dedicate my career to ensuring that laws and societal ideas that reinforce negative views on immigration, no longer contribute to the unjust separation of families.

• Ximena Lemus-Hernandez
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    Being the daughter of immigrant parents has enabled me with the perspective and drive necessary to succeed. My parents immigrated from Michoacán, Mexico and met in Malin, Oregon. They worked a variety of agricultural jobs and once they married, they moved back to Mexico. When my mother would become pregnant, she would return to Oregon to ensure my siblings and I were American citizens. After I was born in 2001, my family chose to permanently live in Mexico. However, when my parents separated in 2003, my mother decided to return to Malin, Oregon.

    My mother has served as both of my parental figures for the past 16 years. She has provided me with the support necessary to become an involved student and community member. Having a single mother has been a beneficial experience and has taught me the importance of independence and hard work.

    As a Latina born and raised in the United States, I have struggled representing my Mexican culture and American pride simultaneously. Proving to others that I am American and Latina enough has been challenging; nevertheless, I am fortunate to be exposed to multiple cultures and customs. Overall, my mother’s determination, fearlessness, and hustle have contributed to my desire for a better life, I just want to be her orgullo.

• Rocio Moctezuma
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    Being the oldest of my siblings, I have always set myself to exemplify a positive example, influence, and role model to follow. I have dedicated myself through perseverance, determination, ambition, and by being visionary to reach my goals all from the basis of hard work. I have unveiled one step at a time who I want to become through experiences for which I owe an immeasurable amount of gratitude.

    My parents immigrated to the United States in the year 2000 leaving their family, home, and memories to chase what we know as the “American dream.” They essentially gave up their former lives for my siblings and me to receive the chance that they didn’t get: to be the owner of my own destiny. Yes, they did change their destiny by searching for a better life, but I have been given the chance to carry out the dream that they didn’t get to fulfill after their 6th grade year of education, and that is pursue higher education. My dad spent weeks away working under the burning sun in the fields, orchards, or planting trees in forests all over the west side of the country. My mom stayed at home mom to raise her kids to be the best versions of themselves; caring for us with love that I have never seen so immensely manifested elsewhere. They have done everything possible to shield us from hardship and that is something that no matter what, I will always be grateful for.

    This fall, I will be attending the University of Oregon and plan to major in psychology. I have seen the need for more Latino mental health advocates to support our people. There are many stigmas and misconceptions that have arisen due to the lack of information that has been received. I plan to change that by becoming a counselor who will specify her focus on treating Latino children and teenagers. I will be a support system in which one can feel comfortable talking to and trust. I want to change lives for the better and help our future generations live with happiness and success.

• Ailym Piñero
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    I was born and raised in a Venezuelan working-class family. My parents’ goal was to give their children an education that they had not been able to attain. To that end, I was able to complete medical school, and after which, work as an ophthalmologist for nearly thirty years.

    From my parents I learned worthy values such as appreciation of family, reverence for life, commitment, and honesty. In addition, I developed an ability to multitask; and at an early age I began a study of English that has continued to help me throughout my life, particularly now as I pursue a career path here in America.

    I came to the United States (US) 17 months ago. The social-economics conditions in my home country had been getting worse in the last 7 years because of flawed policies applied by the Venezuelan government, resulting in political and social unrest. I participated actively, as a citizen and a doctor, during the protests against the government. I feared for my personal safety. Then I decided to come to the US in November 2017 to visit a family member in Medford. Meanwhile, the political conditions in my country were becoming worse with every day, making it impossible for me to think about going back. I considered my options, and decided to apply for asylum which was accepted. While I would not be able to continue the career that I had in Venezuela here in the US without considerable investment of time and money, I could contribute to society in a similar fashion as a nurse. Earlier this year I applied for the Rogue Community College (RCC) Nursing program. I am currently studying at RCC and I am also a volunteer at Asante (RRMC).

    I feel committed to participate in health and social services activities by which I can give back to the community. By being bilingual, I will be able to help patients, including Hispanic communities, to have a better understanding about their health, and to encourage healthy choices that will enable them to pursue their goals.

• Vanessa Ruiz
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    As the first generation in my family to be born in the USA, I understand the struggles of originating from two Hispanic immigrants. Both of my parents restarted their lives in a country with few family ties, virtually no support, and the inability to speak the language in hopes of creating a stable life for my brother and me. Both of my parents sacrificed their time through working countless hours to support us for as long as I can remember. Since then, I promised myself that I wanted to prosper in my academics for my parents and be the first in my family to graduate with a four-year degree.

    As I grew older, I was able to conquer Hispanic stereotypes while involved in athletics and clubs. I strived to go above and beyond in class to prove that students from different cultures can be successful. I am very grateful all my hard work paid off and I was able to shine in my academics. I am happy to say that I will continue my education at George Fox in fall of 2019. I will be receiving my Bachelors in Health and Sciences and minoring in Spanish. I hope to attend PT school after and receive a doctorate in PT in the future. I aspire to be a walking symbol to Latinos that we can achieve a college education and flourish in any designated career.

• Rubi Rodriguez Salazar
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    Born in La Pitaya, Zacatecas, Mexico, with two hard working and goal-seeking parents, and a burning desire to pursue my dreams - that is what summarizes me. And, it is what I’m most proud of. I am who I am thanks to the heritage that flows through my roots. I am where I am thanks to my parents’ decision to pursue the American Dream, and to their fight to give me everything I’ve needed. I am full of ambition thanks to the stories of my parents’ struggles, and my need to repay them for all they’ve done for me.

    Being born in Mexico holds a high value for me, because not only can I proudly state that I am Mexican, but I know that I came into this world in the land where all my roots lay. This comes with struggles within the United States, but those challenges don’t change how I feel about where I come from. Opportunities that aren’t available to me, and impact the future, and course of my education, are federally funded scholarships, and receiving college related advice from my parents. The lack of these opportunities did not put me behind my peers, nor did it make me feel at loss for who I was, or be ashamed or angry of where I came from. These challenges matured my mentality, and also ignited my resourcefulness. Being born in Mexico has shaped me into who I am today, not only because of my roots, but also because of the struggles I’ve had to face. Having limitations imposed on me makes me who I am, it has made me a fighter, I fight for what I want and don’t give up.

    I am extremely proud of where I came from, and I have a grand vision for where I want to go, but unlike many, I don't have the knowledgeable advice from my parents. They brought me here to get the education they couldn’t get, so when it comes to furthering my education, all they can do is encourage my dreams. I stress the importance of education to myself, because that’s the one thing that will guarantee me the best possible future.

    My future holds a lot of possibilities, but the one thing I know for sure is that it’ll be in the medical field, ideally, a Cardiothoracic Surgeon. As I progress through my education and career path, I’ll continue to hold my head up high, using the obstacles thrown my way as stepping stones, my Mexican, Latina, and Hispanic identity shining above all, because “El nopal, es mi corona”.

• Vanessa Valencia
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    Living in the Mexican middle-class of Aguascalientes, Mexico I had it all: A charming house, childhood friends, and family trips every summer. Then one day my dad was in a fatal car accident; in an instant, my ideal life vanished. A month later, my mom announced that we were moving to the US for additional family support. I recalled the family trips we had taken to the US and hoped the move would be that enjoyable; it turned out to be a false hope.

    Adapting to a new life was challenging. I felt isolated because I didn’t know anyone and I was trying to learn a new language. Eventually, we ended up in Southern Oregon where we reunited with family. Having family around made it easier to adapt to the culture and language. My uncle’s family gave us a sense of the life we had left in Mexico.

    As graduation approaches, I reflect on my father and the values he taught me. One of the most significant was education. In my time in Mexico, he exposed me to Mexicans working professional careers such as doctors, lawyers, and architects. In the U.S. I have noticed there is a large Latino population, but the need for bilingual professionals goes unmet. That is why my career goal is to become an orthodontist. I plan to attend Oregon State University next fall and graduate with a Bachelor's Degree in biology. I know education is the only way my family and I can move forward. I will make something out of myself, and become a young woman my father would be proud of.

• Yajaiya Cobian Valadez
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    Growing up my parents always stressed the importance of receiving an education. Their everyday struggles were constant reminders of the sacrifices they have made for my three sisters and me. In October of 2010, my family faced its greatest adversity, the deportation of my father. At the time I was only nine years old, but even at this age I knew that what was coming would test my family’s courage and strength.

    At the age of thirteen, I got my first job as a laborer pulling weeds in the summertime. I would work Monday through Friday, and any Saturday hours I possibly could. I wanted to do my part for my family and help in whatever way I could. I learned two important things from this job. The first was that there is no better sensation in the world than a cool breeze kissing my salty chapped face. The second was that in the fields everyone stuck together.

    For many families living in the U.S. today the idea of deportation is a constant fear. I know it was our greatest. Our family will never be what it once was, but I am confident in who my mother, sisters, and I have become. Over the last eight years we have developed the independence, resilience, and strength to go on and continue to dream. I now dream not of the past, but of a hopeful present. Everything that I have done for my family, community, and school has all been in hopes of pursuing a better brighter future. A future that will fulfill my All American dream, a dream my parents spent a lifetime chasing. I plan to further my education at Lewis and Clark College this fall, and begin my journey towards becoming a nurse practitioner. I thank the forever giving Southern Oregon community for always believing and supporting the potential of its youth.

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