Alumni F13

I’ve been fortunate to participate in the 20/20 leadership class this past year. As a member of this program, I’ve had the opportunity to visit numerous locations in the area. These field trips have allowed me to network with people, and they have given me insightful information about time management. I never fail to feel excited over these field trips. I see many new faces and make new friends on every trip. It was nice to be surrounded by so many like-minded people. Everyone was highly intellectual, and I could learn something new from someone every time.  

This program has provided me with a safe space to grow as a leader. Here, I’ve been able to develop my interpersonal skills. Throughout my life, I’ve struggled with social anxiety. It takes a toll on how I express my thoughts and ideas. I start spiraling with adrenaline and fear whenever people are watching me. I begin to feel a pit in my stomach, the severity of the hot flashes escalate, my eyes get teary, words are no longer communicable, and sounds shakily creep through my mouth. Over the past years, I’ve learned to suppress some of these symptoms. The 20/20 leadership program provided a safe environment for exposure to these leadership situations. I’ve presented many times in class, and I’ve been given significant input. I learned to overcome and improve with the little bits of negative information I received. 

I’ve adapted to different situations, and I’ve become more comfortable with presenting. Since then, I’ve been able to express my ideas more eloquently. I’ve learned that carrying confidence, meeting new people, networking, and being open to new ideas is very important on the journey to becoming a good leader. I’ll use what I’ve learned in the future as I continue my educational journey. My dreams of becoming a Radiologic technologist stem from my passion for helping others. I want to create a safe and comfortable environment for my patients—the need to establish this setting roots in my childhood. Feeling comfortable is and always has been important to me. 

Leaving a legacy means giving back something that will be of use to someone else. Something that is continuously valued and cherished by those who proceed after you. It’s an inheritance acquired through trial and effort in hopes of success and progression. It’s vital for me to leave my legacy because of my Mexican roots. As the oldest first-generation daughter, I firmly desire to be successful in my career and retire from my parents. My parent’s journey began in Mexico, continued in Arizona, and now lives in Missouri. They’ve implemented the ideas of endurance, optimism, and perseverance. I’ve carried this throughout my educational journey. I will continue to do so as I leave my legacy—the legacy of a successful Mexican-American woman working as a radiology technician. I will pave the pathway for my future children just as my parents did for me. I will give them a proper education and ensure their Latin roots are always present. Leaving behind a legacy means leaving a piece of me. It will be a depiction of all of the sacrifice, trials, and efforts I made to accomplish what I did.