Learning Through Exposure by Erika

Learning Through Exposure by Erika - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

As a first generation immigrant to the United States of America, I have had the privilege to pertain to multiple neighborhoods and communities, which in turn have been my teachers. The Hispanic culture imprinted in me that success only comes with hard work and education.
Venezuela expanded my perceptions on what family means. While most places in the world understand the importance of parents and siblings, Latin people do not let family be defined as only those that are flesh and blood. Relatives include the neighbors that come over for dinner every week and loyal friends from pre-school. Family is a network of supportive people. However, the economic issues that came with the new political administration forced my family to relocate to the United States.
Moving to Wellesley, Massachusetts allowed me to learn English in a short amount of time. When we got situated, my brother and I immediately began schooling. The patience and welcoming of the community lead me to believe that people want to be good.
Miami, Florida uncovered cultural diversity to me. When my aunt passed away, we moved to South Florida to help take care of her children. This change came from a tragedy, but it exposed me to the melting pot that is the “Little Havana.” This new neighborhood revealed to me many controversial religions and cultures I could not have known otherwise such as the Cuban Santería or Argentinian Asado.
The generosity of Riviera Schools and the hard work of my family combined to give me the opportunity to take advantage of the resources available at that institution. From this opening I have become a student that takes every challenge possible. Conducting independent research in the University of Miami, permitted me to put all my dedication to the sciences to use. In two months I have learned the neuroscience of the egg-laying circuit on living C. elegans while working on developing more knowledge on the topic. For all the knowledge I have gained throughout my life, I am still hopeful to gain more wisdom from all around me.