There are times when a familiar story resonates with new meaning.
My grandmother’s story of earning her education while raising four children was one of those stories that changed how I saw the world. She would talk about carrying her books everywhere and studying under an orange tree while her kids played at the park. In 1988, she earned a Bachelor’s in Teaching in Holguín, Cuba and opened up doors for future generations.
Education was always central in our home, especially after immigrating to the United States. Though my grandmother couldn’t continue teaching due to limited English, she repeated: “Go to college so you don’t have to work in a factory like me.” Because of her, I always knew college was part of my path. In 2021, I earned my B.A. in International Studies and used it to help newly arrived immigrants work toward self-sufficiency in Louisville, KY.
The missing piece in my grandmother’s story that resonated the most was the thought of who was by her side while she pursued her education. My grandfather and my great-grandparents. While she studied, they watched the children as well. That support made her education possible.
I realized I could also be part of someone else’s support system. With rising costs, many students delay or defer education due to financial barriers. The idea of offering scholarships felt intimidating, but after saving small amounts and sharing the opportunity, I learned it was simpler than I imagined.
This led to the creation of a $500 scholarship, in honor of my grandmother. By the third year, we had a full system for raising and distributing funds. As of 2025, Mango Street Dreaming has awarded $1,550 in scholarships. Through this process, I learned that local scholarships can create a ripple effect. Education opens up doors and minds. It is a catalyst that can impact generations.
Pursuing higher education not only impacts our families, but it impacts our local communities most of all. My grandmother and I are a testament to that.
My grandmother’s story of earning her education while raising four children was one of those stories that changed how I saw the world. She would talk about carrying her books everywhere and studying under an orange tree while her kids played at the park. In 1988, she earned a Bachelor’s in Teaching in Holguín, Cuba and opened up doors for future generations.
Education was always central in our home, especially after immigrating to the United States. Though my grandmother couldn’t continue teaching due to limited English, she repeated: “Go to college so you don’t have to work in a factory like me.” Because of her, I always knew college was part of my path. In 2021, I earned my B.A. in International Studies and used it to help newly arrived immigrants work toward self-sufficiency in Louisville, KY.
The missing piece in my grandmother’s story that resonated the most was the thought of who was by her side while she pursued her education. My grandfather and my great-grandparents. While she studied, they watched the children as well. That support made her education possible.
I realized I could also be part of someone else’s support system. With rising costs, many students delay or defer education due to financial barriers. The idea of offering scholarships felt intimidating, but after saving small amounts and sharing the opportunity, I learned it was simpler than I imagined.
This led to the creation of a $500 scholarship, in honor of my grandmother. By the third year, we had a full system for raising and distributing funds. As of 2025, Mango Street Dreaming has awarded $1,550 in scholarships. Through this process, I learned that local scholarships can create a ripple effect. Education opens up doors and minds. It is a catalyst that can impact generations.
Pursuing higher education not only impacts our families, but it impacts our local communities most of all. My grandmother and I are a testament to that.