I can be open and vulnerable
I tend to keep to myself at the beginning of any relationship. When I am around people that I am not close with, I stay quiet. Maybe it’s because I don’t trust them yet, but sometimes I trust some people too much and regret opening up to them. Yet, I want people to know that I can be open and vulnerable, too. It just takes some time to learn to trust people and be comfortable with them. If someone was to take the time to know me, I would tell them that I have a deep desire to help others no matter what and to be a light. I think that’s why I want to pursue a career in being an advocate for juveniles and those struggling with substance abuse. This is why I am pursuing my degree in criminal justice. I am passionate about fighting racial bias in the criminal justice system and dismantling the structures that keep them in place. Coming to SPU and eventually majoring in criminal justice was a turning point in my life. It was a decision that I had made on my own for myself and becoming more independent. Becoming fully independent and being an “adult” is one of my greatest fears but also a great goal of mine. It is a goal of mine to succeed and be independent even though it strikes fear in me, but my parents, especially my mother, are my inspirations for my success. Being a second-generation immigrant, I feel like I must take advantage of the efforts my parents made and succeed not just for me but also for them. My family used to be what I valued most in life, but as I grow more independent, I find that my friends, especially those I’ve met here at SPU, are just as important and have set a high bar for my relationships. Having people that I can relate to, believe my stories and validate my experiences are important and these relationships should not be taken for granted.
