The doctor’s office has never been one of my favorite places. Mothers angrily chasing after their children screaming ”Nino, sientate ya!!!”. This day, as I try to ignore the noise, I did nothing more but focus on my future, and the importance of an education.

While I was sitting I started to think about what’s brought me to the clinic. I was there to help translate, and interpret for my father. My parents' schooling ended in elementary school. It was not an option, but a decision made by their parents that they could not overturn. Due to their loss opportunity for an education, my mother believed I should take full advantage of mine. She believes that an education is the key to many opportunities. Since childhood, she taught me to do things by myself. “M’ija, I do not want you to ever have to rely on anyone”.

Independence and education became fundamental elements in my upbringing. My mother believes that an education links directly to obtaining my independence, where my work is more than sufficient to support myself. As a strong woman my mother’s wish is for me to set an example in my family as a strong Latina. Her biggest wish is for me to pursue a career of my choice, a chance she did not get.

 The importance of independence and education becomes obvious while I’m sitting at the doctor’s office. Across from me sits an old woman bent forward. As her name is called, she motions for her young son to get up and go with her. Once at the receptionist’s desk, he fills out papers and translates for his mother. At this moment I look over to my dad who’s brought me with him for the same reason. My father had come to rely on me as the old woman can to rely on her son.

At that moment I realize that I did not want to have to ever depend on others; and it was then that I understood my parents support for my independence, as they have experienced the need for an education.  I always wanted to study biology, and as I finish high school I am ready to further my education. I plan to attend, and graduate from a university and some days celebrate my dreams with my parents.