Vanessa Heredia

Christmas gatherings, birthday parties, and family cookouts: These are the moments I live for. I love my family with all my heart and most of my life revolves around them. My family isn’t “ideal” because I live with only a mom and one brother, but it’s my family, and to me they are perfect. Through every accomplishment I have had they have been there to support me, and through every downfall they have remained by my side. When I had my quinceanera, that time when I finally became a “lady” in my culture, they celebrated with me. When I accepted a job position at a Pediatrician’s Office, they congratulated me. When my dad left us for selfish reasons, they cried with me.
My family is my most important aspect, because they created my persona and shaped the lady I have grown up to be. If I hadn’t been compelled to correct every mistake I made in school on tests and quizzes, and yes-even homework, I wouldn’t be attending the lovely University of Georgia. If I didn’t have the encouraging words from my mother and brother to keep my confidence strong, I would not be pursuing a career in medicine. My family keeps my hopes and dreams high and they always remind me that anything is possible as long as you stay focused and keep and open mind.