Ana Gabriela’s Story
At the age of 10, I left my home and family to pursue an education in a country where I didn’t yet speak the language. The same dream that brought me here then, still drives me now, only it has grown into something bigger than myself. I still remember that morning in October of 2016 when my family and I traveled to the U.S. embassy in Bogota, Colombia. Receiving a student visa to study in the United States was something I really desired for my life. Having always been close with my tía Ana, when I saw her move to the U.S. and fight for her American dream, I realized at a young age that I wanted to follow in her footsteps. My goal was clear: to learn English and make the most of the opportunities that an education in the United States could offer.
Today, ten years later, I am proud to say that I am fluent in both English and Spanish, I have excelled academically, and found my voice in advocacy and service through my time here in the States. This journey has been full of the most rewarding but also challenging experiences of my life. Navigating a new culture, a new language, a new world, without my mom by my side while so young was definitely one of the most difficult. The sting of missing my family, my home, is one that I will carry with me forever. At the same time, it has been very beautiful to see how my mom’s love for me has transcended all distance. With her support, I learned to persevere, to work hard, and to accept failure and disappointment as launching pads for success. This and other challenges such as navigating limited finances and a desire to belong in a new culture gave me incredible opportunities to find my inner strength and values; lighting the fire in me to serve others in moments of struggle and defeat.
One thing that has stayed constant in my journey is service. It is what led me to choose my major. Social work aligns with my passion for creating opportunities and support systems for children and families who, like mine, have faced separation, cultural challenges, and limited access to resources. This work means so much to me because I have seen its impact firsthand. At Germanna Community College, I founded the Hispanic Student Alliance and have led meaningful outreach projects. I have watched as Hispanic middle school students, at high risk of future dropout, stepped on a college campus for the first time in their lives.
Throughout the campus tour we led, I saw how they began envisioning a potential future there through my story. These moments helped me realize that my journey is much bigger than just my experiences. I saw their parents, who didn’t speak English, lit up when I gave the tour in Spanish as they finally felt included in their kids’ education. I was able to use the skills and experiences that I had gained through my time here to light a path for others navigating similar circumstances. That day taught me that the struggles I have faced and how they have shaped my story are part of a larger reality for thousands of other students and families in our community and how my voice can empower them. As an advocate, I want to learn how systems and policies can be transformed with cross-cultural understanding to better serve marginalized groups and be a driver for good change.
Virginia Commonwealth University is where I see myself accomplishing this mission. As an international student I do not qualify for federal aid, instate tuition rates, or typical work opportunities. This means that without support from others my education is not guaranteed. Your donation will go directly to supporting my next step of transferring to VCU’s School of Social Work, allowing me to pursue my Bachelor’s and later Master’s degree without interruption. I know that education is the key to the life-changing impact I hope to bring to people.
The dream that first brought me to this country has flourished into a mission to help other Hispanic youth have the opportunity and boldness to walk through the unknown and fight for their dream as I once did and continue to do now. Your support would allow me to do this by continuing my education and expanding the work I have already started in my community. Thank you for being a part of this journey. - Ana Gabriela Otalora Reyes
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