Growing up, my Hispanic heritage definitely played a part in how and what I thought about college and education.  Neither of my parents had graduated from college – my dad, in fact, has a 10th grade education.  My mother has since earned her college degree and my dad, though he has never pursued a formal education, still remains one of the smartest people I have ever known.  I mean, his lifelong motto has always been "THINK" – and that's just what he's instilled in me.

Still, both of my parents always talked to me about going to college.  They never made it out to seem like an obstacle, so naturally I just figured it's what people always do.  Then I got to high school.  Although I wasn't a fan of school I still always knew that I needed to go to college – if for no other reason than to fulfill my parent's dreams for me.  But my parents were divorced by then and neither of them had the money to send me to college.  My then boyfriend {now husband} and I moved in together and I worked full-time while I paid my way through college on a very part time basis.  I loved working and having a full-time income but I also loved that I was able to pursue my college dreams.  I also knew it would take me at least twice as long since I could never take on a full load of courses.  It was tough, I am not gonna lie about that.  But looking back, it was SO worth it!

I started out as an Elementary Education major and one day, while sitting in an Elementary Ed Literature class, I thought to myself, "What in the hell am I doing here? I can't be a teacher?! This is so not for me."  I went to see my college advisor and changed my major that day.  I lost a few credits that were Elementary Ed specific, but it was so worth it. I switched to a Communications major with emphasis in Speech and Mass Media. Talk about a perfect fit? I was in HEAVEN!! I actually always wanted to be a news anchor and used to practice in front of my dresser mirror with a hairbrush as my mic when I was a little girl.  I know — how's that for a visual?  Anyway, with the way my parents always talked to me about pursuing my dreams, I knew it was totally possible.  But the reality of it is, I fell in love with the public relations side of my degree and have never looked back. 

I'm thrilled to help share the news about Coca-Cola and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF).  They have collaborated for more than 30 years and are committed to reaching their goal of  having a college degree in every Latino household by the year 2025.  Is that AMAZFEST or what??!!  In addition to this, they want to motivate people to get involved and help make a difference.From now through October 31st, students can apply for a scholarship here by answering three thought-provoking essay questions. Students are invited to reflect on how their heritage affects their career goals, the importance of education in their lives and their community service experiences.

Who do you know that would benefit from this scholarship initiative? Share the good news with them today!

{Disclosure: This post has been sponsored and shared in collaboration with Coca-Cola and Latina Bloggers Connect.  All opinions and thoughts shared herein are my own. No one is the boss of me!}