Gene Denton 33

Since I was a child in elementary school, I have always been inspired by monumental leaders and people with an initiative. I would find myself wondering how it is that all of these people possess some of the same characteristics, yet are so unique in their own, distinctive way.

I stumbled across a short, yet impactful, quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This quote has become my everyday motto since then, and keeps me in sight of my goals and how to achieve them. “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” This quote speaks volumes about how people can make a difference in the world in so many ways.

True greatness isn’t measured by your influence, wealth, or power. Instead, it is measured by your ability to serve others and your communities. Everyone has the ability to find something they are truly passionate about, and decide what they want to improve for others. There are also other ways that may seem very minor, but have a larger impact. One doesn’t have to become the next president or Martin Luther King, but something as simple as serving at your local soup kitchen, or volunteering with students after school.  These are the things that do not go unnoticed, and truly create differences.

My mission is to simply create equity, and help others expand their opportunities. More specifically, increasing the representation in the Latino community in higher education and positions. I believe that quality education is such a powerful tool, and it’s a shame that not everyone has the resources to access it or achieve it. This mission has come from the experiences that I have lived, and the community around me.

As a first-gen Latina, I have been in the position of having very little guidance and seeing little representation. I have seen how others like me struggle for the same reasons. Equal representation makes a larger difference than one might think. With that representation, you have all backgrounds coming together for a solution for everyone. People become more motivated to do things for the greater good.

My goal is to pursue a degree in Public Administration and Marketing. With these degrees, I can help ensure that policies that benefit all are being implemented throughout society. One day, I hope to step into politics and be the representation that I never saw. With the marketing part of my degree, I would like to start a non-profit organization that helps Latinos and other people of color of all ages financially advance themselves. Whether that be through an education, smart investments, or workshops. Making knowledge accessible can make such a large difference.

I hope that with my own education, I can help guide others that are in my shoes now. I want to show them that it is possible. I want to show them that anything you set your mind to is attainable. No one is limited to one goal in life, and pursuing a degree that involves two fields shows that. I will accomplish my goals with the drive and education, and hope others will realize they can too.

Everything I have accomplished for those around me has been fueled by compassion and dedication to serve. One must realize to be great, the biggest quality is to truly believe in serving your community and putting your all forward. Once you begin to serve those around you, you forge new connections, impact larger groups of people, leave a positive legacy, and that is what truly makes one great. Above all, the most important thing to remember is, “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.”