Celebrating Latino Heroes Close to Home

I remember in high school seeing my parents gather at the dinner table from time to time, discussing how they would make that month’s rent, while at the same time covering all of the bills that seemed to pile up before them. During each of those moments I was thankful, because it meant I had parents that cared enough to set their own personal desires aside in order to build a good foundation for their children. It’s their selflessness that makes them my heroes and my largest inspiration even today.

I received my bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University, a beautiful, private Jesuit campus set in the heart of Silicon Valley. I went on to pursue my Master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University last year. As I sit here writing this, it’s still mind-blowing to think I was fortunate enough to walk those campuses and receive such an excellent education. It has been a blessing but I realize that none of it would have been possible without the support—and mostly the sacrifice—of my parents.

Giving Thanks

A few months ago, my youngest sibling graduated from college. I think about the fact that my parents came to the U.S. exactly 31 years ago with close to nothing and realize that what they have done for their kids is truly admirable. I simply can’t put into words how thankful I am for that.

Every time my parents would sit at that dinner table, I would tell myself that one day I would pay them back for all of it—for their sacrifices, for their hard work, for the tuition bills they somehow managed to pay each month. Will I ever be able to repay my parents for all the things they have done for me? Probably not. But I intend to spend the rest of my life trying.

Hi, I’d like to hear from you! Did someone inspire you and make a difference in your life? If you’d like to share your Hispanic Heritage month story please send it to me (must be 200 words or less) at ask@latinbusinesstoday.com. I’ll review your story and select a number of them to be posted on Latin Business Today.

Tatiana Sanchez is a journalist for Latin Business Today, reporting on Latino work, life and culture topics. Originally from San Francisco, Calif., Tatiana received a Master of Science from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. During her time in New York City, Tatiana came alive as a reporter. Her work was featured in the Queen’s Chronicle, the Bronx Free Press, and the New York Daily News.Tatiana was named the 2011 Kaiser Media Health Intern- this past summer, she joined the staff at The Oregonian as a health reporter, where she produced a cover story on the growing obesity epidemic in Oregon.