Claudia L.

Juárez
Almost everyone can agree that we never stop learning. One continuously learns

through the relationships they encounter with others, some learn through hardships, some

push their personal boundaries to stimulate their minds in higher education, and some learn

through a combination. No matter how the individual may be learning, they subconsciously

are seeking for that freedom from what we hold deep inside. Since this urge is subconscious,

some are deterred, or are afraid of going beyond the superficial level that is poked at more

times than not. Loras College is the institution I chose 4 years ago to overall provide the

platform for me to grow. Loras is a predominately a campus made up of 81.1% racially white

students. While this was a huge culture shock from high school, I decided to make the

commitment in attempt to become knowledgeable for a future career setting. Loras College

provided the opportunities and I brought about the desire to learn as much as possible; what I

did not foresee where some of my weaknesses at the time, or having the option to change

beliefs.

First things first, I enrolled into Loras knowing I wanted to double Major in Criminal

Justice, Spanish, and minor in music. I felt confident going into these fields because I had

some type of background, or believed that it would be the most beneficial for my career.

Right off the back, I struggled to comprehend formal music concepts. I persisted in trying to

sight read music, pushed through two music theory classes, and a couple guitar classes.

Besides having a musical background, I wanted to engage into music as I had heard that such

individuals are better equipped to be critical thinkers. I sought out comprehend a topic that I

enjoyed while also enhancing some personal qualities. Despite this goal, I dropped the music

minor at the end of my Sophomore year as I recognized that I was simply not capable of

comprehending in depth the way music is composed professionally. Nevertheless, I continued

to be enrolled into the choirs as it was something less complex and manageable. Over the
next two years I slowly progressed in some music comprehension. My main take away from

this experience is that I was able to identity my limitation to manage concepts that are not

tangible. I have some ability, but for immediate success I should seek for opportunities that I

can visually dissect and make sense of it. This new found knowledge I took with me to other

fields of study that would require more abstract thinking and commitment.

Another course that challenged me in this aspect was a psychology cross cultural

course. To the left is a copy of my cultural identity paper in which we were to dig deep into

different aspects of our lives that either influenced directly, or internal aspects that influenced

our surroundings. Upon the completion of this course, I was able to recognized that it does

not matter if I am of Hispanic origin. Being part of a minority does not give a full insight of

what it means to be diverse. Granted, to be inclusive and diverse includes the different

European cultures that have developed within the United States. Despite I have taken this

course in my last semester at Loras, it still resonates and clarifies my reasons to major in

Spanish.

Initially, I decided to Major in Spanish due to the fact that I had incoming AP credits

and figured it wouldn’t hurt to further professionally develop my skills for my career.

Throughout these past four years, I have struggled in some aspect academically because of

some slight time management issues. Nevertheless, it has never overall completely

discouraged me to stop my education. There are times that I catch myself selecting courses

that potentially are of my interests, but other times it would be that it was a convinced time.

No matter the circumstances, I engaged into the courses and found myself enjoying pushing

my limits of comfort. On a different, yet similar spectrum, I see the financial responsibility it

is to obtain this higher education of undergrad and law school. Sticker prices are always

discouraging to people of the working class, but the different experiences I have received at

Loras has only confirmed my desire to pursue a legal career as it is another investment for
professional and personal development. Social constructs are everywhere, but I refuse to let

every single one get in my head which will impede completing my own dreams rather then

somebody else’s.