Better Together (A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month): Daphne’s Story

In Truckee’s tight-knit Hispanic community, a shared sense of hardship, heritage and perseverance have become profound sources of pride and inspiration for many first- and second-generation Hispanics. As immigrants or the children of immigrants, many have faced countless cultural, economic and academic challenges in their pursuit of better opportunities. And in doing so, their resiliency has helped shape America’s historical landscape and future, offering one of diversity and hope.

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated Sept. 15-Oct. 15 every year, three young Hispanics and past recipients of Tahoe Donner Giving Fund scholarships share their stories, weaving a narrative that embodies the spirit of this year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” This is Daphne’s story.

My Heritage is Also my Support System

Since my parents – Mexican immigrants – only graduated middle school, I have always been expected to acquire a good education no matter the circumstances. I am a first-generation student, meaning I am the first in my family to attend college. However, the path to academic success has not been easy. With my parents constantly working, I had to balance my academics with other tasks at home, including caring for my younger sister. My high school days consisted of cooking dinner and helping my sister with homework before finally turning to my own AP schoolwork. Additionally, because my parents spoke very little English, I had to sort out difficult homework vocabulary on my own. However, I soon took advantage of the many student tools and help offered in rural Truckee, such as “Homework Help,” an SAT Prep class for the top seniors, and even La Fuerza Latina, a college access program for underrepresented students at Truckee High School.

At UC Riverside, I experienced additional academic barriers as one of the few Latina undergraduate students taking university honors courses. Taking more than eight honors courses was my most difficult challenge as an undergrad. After many office hour visits, I knew I had to seek additional resources. Thankfully, I found Mujeres Unidas, a non-profit organization that supported me through academics, leadership roles and growth as a woman of color. Moreover, my honors advisor, Dennis McIver, guided me on a path to not only graduate on time but also a quarter early.

I now work as a Field Representative for the California State Assembly and continue to advocate for my communities through legislation. I still reach out to my previous mentors in the State Capitol and UC Riverside alums for help. Now, as a UCR alumna myself, and with my array of networking, I have had the privilege to expose and influence two other Hispanic Truckee High students to pursue higher education at UC Riverside. I was honored to assist these scholars in facilitating their journey by connecting them to Mujeres Unidas and being supportive when they felt homesick. Today, I stand ready to take my career journey a step further and begin my preparation to pursue law school in hopes that I can one day go back and assist people like me who need resources the most. I hope to keep inspiring others in Truckee to follow their dreams and to remember “que si se puede.”

DAPHNE
2019 IMPACT Scholar