First Gen by Yudidt

First Gen by Yudidt - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

My parents are fighting on the other side of the room about whether to stay in the United States or go to their homeland. My heart starts to beat rapidly and anxiety creeps in. I am only 10 years old, and am learning English as my second language. Growing up was challenging, especially with the responsibility of translating for my parents at such a young age. My parents ended up deciding to stay in Arizona so I and my siblings could receive an education. My parents only attended 5th and 6th grade, so it was difficult for them to write and read. My mother’s family could not even afford to purchase her pencils for school. My dad had to quit grade school to take care of his younger siblings. My dad would get beat up every day after school by his parents because he did not get back home in time to get firewood for dinner and because he needed to take care of his siblings. My ancestral culture is Otomi which is also their native tongue. It is a very beautiful dialect. Speaking of languages, I have always struggled with owning or taking pride in speaking Spanish as a result of the Spanish language being forced upon my people. My dad grew up speaking the Otomi dialect. Because he wanted to move to Mexico City at the age of 18, he decided he had no other choice but to learn the Spanish language just to survive and be prepared to fit into the Spanish culture. My indigenous roots are what I consider to be my Latino Heritage. I consider myself an indigenous woman rather than a Latina woman. Living in the United States, I have accepted the Latina label because that is the norm. Family principles are very important. To me they are my culture: hard work and dedication. The Otomi culture is an Oto-Pamean language. There are approximately 240,000 native Otomi people living in the central Altiplano area of Mexico (approximately 52 miles North of Mexico City). The Altiplano means tableland in English and geographically that is what the State of Hidalgo looks like. The Oto-Pamean languages are a branch of the Oto-Manguean languages that includes languages of the Otomi-Mazahua, Matlatzinca, and Pamean language groups, all of which are spoken in central Mexico. My last name, (Nonthe) means "hill or mountain" in Otomi. I'm proud of the fact that it brings me closer to my ancestors. Growing up in an indigenous home where my parents speak Otomi has helped me feel connected to who I am. I have learned some words, but I am not fluent. I love that my family on my dad's side still speaks Otomi at family gatherings here in Arizona and back in Mexico. It makes me feel so lucky to have this language in my life and to learn about my indigenous culture. Growing up in a Mexican household with 3 siblings and being the eldest daughter, I have a lot of responsibilities on my shoulders. I grew up with my twin sister by my side, and it has been so much fun growing up together. Today, I am determined to assist communities of color and to be an example to young women. My leadership positions have demonstrated my commitment to my own ideals and to bringing them back to the communities I represent. I intend to establish a Nonthe Scholarship for Indigenous children to attend a college in Hidalgo, Mexico. I am excited to carry on my family's legacy through their love and support of higher education. I love where I have grown up. I love the communities that have made me the young woman I am today. My heritage has helped me understand who I am. I feel the support of my ancestors in a way that I cannot explain. It's like someone is holding my head up or someone is hugging me through the rough times. They uplift me when I doubt myself or feel like giving up. My family's story and upbringing are my motivation to continue my education. With my education, I want to be a leader in my community by running for office someday. I want to work on policies that represent the indigenous and Latino communities in the United States. My motivation for my career is my family, my heritage and my community's desire to make this world a better place. As a first generation college student, I carry a lot of responsibility on my back. As the eldest daughter in my family, I have dedicated myself to focusing on my studies to support my goal of helping my family reach a higher level of economic security. I am a proud Mexican-American woman who will achieve my educational and aspirational goals and be the first person in my family to graduate from college with a 4 year degree.