ÇéÉ«¿Õ¼ä

1. What motivated you to apply for the Romero Scholarship?

What motivated me to apply for the Romero Scholarship was a combination of supportive individuals and the level of resonation that I felt with Romero's story. My mentors encouraged me as much as they could, even though I was rather hesitant because I didn't think I was an ideal candidate. After much thought I decided to fill out the preliminary application and see what the result would be. It seemed to have worked out ;)

2. What was the most memorable question from the interview and how did you respond?

They asked: What is something you value, that we might not know by information given to us on paper? I responded that I thoroughly like to enjoy mentoring younger students because when I first started any sort of journey I was fortunate enough to have someone support me. Moreover, I feel as though it is my duty to reciprocate that support and facilitate a space for my fellow brothers and sisters to grow and expand on their heritage and culture. 

3. How did you feel when you heard your name called as the award winner?

The way I felt when I heard my name called was the most exhilarating moment I have felt in a long time. I was very nervous as Fr. Leahy spoke about the winner, but did not release the name. Out of the blue, Fr. Leahy says my name and my heart drops. It took me about 15 seconds to register that my name was called. My mom jumped up shouting and I also followed. For some odd reason (still nervously in shock) I started walking in the opposite direction of the stage, and my friend turned me around and pointed to my mother. I embraced her, and headed up to the stage to give my speech. At the podium I had what I felt was like a flash movie of all the standout memories in my life. I thought about my childhood, my baseball career, my old teachers, pets and important birthday parties. It was a new feeling and I am proud to leave a legacy at Boston College, etching a Hispanic last name in ÇéÉ«¿Õ¼ä's history. 

4. What do you feel is your biggest responsibility as the Romero Scholarship recipient of 2017?

My biggest responsibility as the recipient of the Romero scholarship 2017 would be to continue fighting for justice within my community, but more so to inspire the next generation. I feel as though it is my duty to inform the underclassmen how to navigate and create impactful change. As Romero was the voice of the voiceless, it is upon our duty to fight injustice and proclaim victory for the marginalized. My favorite Romero quote really hones into what I believe we should keep striving for, "We have never preached violence, except the violence of love…the violence that we must each do to ourselves to overcome our selfishness. The violence we preach is the violence of love, of brotherhood." 

5. What would you say to students who are thinking of applying next year?

One-Hundred percent apply because it is a very rewarding experience regardless of the outcome. I personally was abroad as I went through the process and it really allowed me to traverse my Boston College experience in a lens that I had not had before. I was very removed from on-campus life and I reflected on many different phases of my life prior and during Boston College. As many say, trust the process and the benefits will certainly be visible and felt.