Full Name
Iris Hill
Job Title
College Readiness Coach
Institution Name
Irving ISD
Speaker Bio
My remarkable journey is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of education against all odds. Born in a small village in El Salvador, my story is a fusion of cultural heritage, the pursuit of dreams, and the triumph of breaking barriers. My family emigrated from their homeland in search of a better life, leaving behind familiar landscapes and traditions for the promise of new opportunities. They settled in a vibrant and diverse community, where I quickly embraced the rich tapestry of cultures around her. Growing up in a multilingual household, I effortlessly navigated between my native language and the new language of my adopted country, becoming a bridge between two worlds. From an early age, I exhibited an insatiable thirst for knowledge. My parents, who had sacrificed so much for our family's future, instilled in me the importance of education as the key to unlocking a world of possibilities. Despite facing language barriers and cultural adjustments, my determination shone brightly as I excelled in my studies. As the first generation of her family to embark on the journey of higher education, I faced a unique set of challenges. Navigating the labyrinthine pathways of college applications, financial aid, and academic expectations required an extraordinary level of resilience and self-motivation. With unwavering support from my family and mentors, and the AVID program, I triumphantly earned my place at a university, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my life. College life was both exhilarating and demanding for me. Balancing rigorous coursework, full-time jobs, and the responsibilities of a first-generation college student stretched my time and energy. Yet, my commitment never wavered. I leveraged her cultural background to bring fresh perspectives to classroom discussions, fostering cross-cultural understanding among my peers. As a teacher, my passion for community engagement flourished. I co-founded support groups for fellow first-generation students, recognizing the need for a network of understanding and shared experiences. Through these efforts, I empowered others to overcome obstacles and embrace their own unique narratives. My journey Is like many of our First-Generation students. Our resilience and the desire for a better future is what makes us unique. My goal as an educator is to continue advocating for all students that have a similar path to mine.
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