I knew I was going to continue my education beyond high school since I was a little girl. My parents continuously talked to me about the importance of education. However, I will admit that towards my senior year of high school I had some doubts .

One day during my senior year I was in the library filling out an application for the University of Northern Colorado and a boy who I had gone to school with since kindergarten sat next to me. He looked over at my application and said, "Why are you wanting to go to college? Do you know how much debt you will be in?" I explained to him how I wanted to pursue a higher education to better my future and have a well-paid career. Then he says to me, "But do you know how many people graduate and struggle to find employment?" He started throwing statistics at me. I was doubting my dream of being the first in my family to go to college that I did not even finish my application.

Later on the next week I decided to finish my application and wait on their decision to make my final decision. Three weeks later, I received my acceptance letter to the University of Northern Colorado. When my parents saw the acceptance letter they were so proud. They were so happy they wanted to celebrate. They took me out to dinner and we talked about the next steps. After our talk, I knew I was going to college.

Why did I decide to go to college?

I decided to go to college because I am a strong believer that education opens doors of opportunity. My parents have always worked hard in jobs that require 10-12 hour days that were hard on their bodies. However, that was all they were able to work in without an education. I want a career, not a job.

I decided to go to college because I want to be an educated Mexican-American. Being Mexican-American comes with a lot of pressure. I want to break the stereotypes and beat the statistics that say I will graduate from a four-year university because I am Mexican-American and first generation.

I decided to go to college because there is not enough Mexican-Americans in our criminal justice system. I have found what I want to do with my degree and I want to help troubled youth find the right path. I want to use my education to become a probation officer.

I decided to go to college for many reasons. To this day, people ask why? Why spend so much money? Why do you want to be a broke college student? Why do you stress yourself over college? Despite it all, I know college will be worth it. Ask yourself why you decided to go to college or why you decided not to.