Ray Aguilar

            I am the son of Mexican American and Migrant parents. I was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on November 30, 1980. For the first several years of my life our family migrated through out the southern states of the U.S.  Our family is the second generation that has followed the crops along the east coast.  Finally in 1987, my parents decided to settle down in a small town called Palmetto, located in central Florida. My family didn’t have a hard time adapting to the new community because this minuscule town was populated with families that were similar to ours, poor and looking for a new beginning in life. This part of my life was very crucial for me. I either had to quit school and start earning income for my family by working in the fields or continuing my education. Thank god my parents convinced me to stay in school because it would not have been fun working in the fields.

            During my senior year of high school I earned several scholarships. However, the three scholarships were not enough to get me through a four year institution. As a result, I have spent the last semester searching for scholarships. If I do not get enough funding I will be forced to halt my college career. I am a true believer that good things come to those who wait; nevertheless, if you want something you have to go out and get it.

            My family’s financial situation is not as good as I would have wanted to be. My parents have given up their lives by working in the harvest fields for the last fifth-teen years. One thing that I am proud to say is that they have always maintained a roof over our heads and hot food on the table. Currently, we are living in a three bedroom duplex. Sounds pretty roomy right? Unfortunately, there are seven people living in this same duplex. Being the oldest of all the siblings, I have taken the obligation of setting an example for my brothers and sisters. I feel much pressure about succeeding in life.

            At this point in my life I am only an academic year of getting my B.A. in Finance. In addition, I have a career opportunity lined up with State Farm Insurance after my graduation. Unfortunately, my life term goal, graduating, is in jeopardy. I honestly believe that you will consider my application to be commendable. I have made a “promise” to everyone that has helped me out financially throughout college. That is to repay them back once I become financially stable in life. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is no exception.

            I want to give my parents a life they couldn’t provide for me. I want them to stop suffering from all their aches and pains. I am afraid that if I do not succeed, my family will forever remain in the pits of poverty. I would hate myself if my brothers and sisters would be forced to live through the same conditions as I did.

            Through out my college career I have made it a priority to be known through out the University of South Florida. I was welcomed to this campus by a group of individuals that belong to Sigma Lambda Beta, International Fraternity Incorporated. These role models carried themselves with class and confidence. Two attributes that I lacked at the time. Well to make a long story short I joined the fraternity. Only to learn that it was not what I expected. I though that all they did was party and socialize. Boy was I wrong!  I was elected as the Sports Executive and Community Service chair. As a member I had an ideal image to portray at my campus. I began to be active in different organizations. I ran for Vice President of Internal affairs for the Unified Greek council. I obtained many leadership characteristics by taking on this role. This council regulates five other Greek organizations. I was my duty to set up informative workshops and problem solving lock ins.  Latin American Student Association was another organization that I ran into. I really loved the ideal of gathering all the Latinos but all they did was set up socials and partied.  I as a Chicano did not feel that they promoted my culture as I wanted it to be. So I and several of my peers helped lay the foundation for a new Organization, The Mexican American Student Association. Our purpose was to promote the Mexican America culture within our community. In addition, many of the current members had migrant background. As a result, we got involved with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. They are an activist group that is fighting for reasonable wages for those that work in the fields. Within the Mexican American Student Association, I have been appointed Treasurer during the first year, Vice President of Internal Affairs during my sophomore year, and most recently the President for the 2001-2002 academic year. Since then the organization has grown form 10 members in its first year to about 35 members’ active members today. 

            My life experiences has mold me into the distinguish gentleman that I am today. I realize that education is the key what will unlock the doors to life.  Much of today’s youth is blind to see that.  Who do we blame for such dilemma? There is no specific scapegoat and instead of trying to find one I decided to be proactive. I was informed that there were two high schools near by that had the states highest drop out rate. The areas of these schools were populated with migrant families.  I set up a plan of action. I belonged to three organizations at the time, so the man power was present. I assigned Sigma Lambda Beta to Plant City High and Mexican American Student Association to East bay high School in Apollo Beach.  Both of these schools are a 45 minute drive from our campus.  I love both of my organizations.

            Besides being active at my campus and my community I have earned several academic achievements. In 2001 I was inducted into the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the prestigious Golden Key International Honour Society which consist of the top 15 percent of my class, and Order of Omega which is an honor society for active greeks at my campus. To top off the academic year I was chosen as the University of South Florida’s Male Leader of the Year 2002. Proud to say I was the first Mexican America to reach this award.

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