Herrera - 1

Personal Statement

I never knew three simple words could change my life the way they did. Si se pudo! Si

se pudo!, I can still roar of the crowd as they chanted on. I didnt know it then, but that was the

first moment I truly believed that I was capable of greatness. It was March 10th, I was in

Hollywood with my family to see Eugenio Derbez receive his star on the walk of fame. We

waited under the hot sun for what seemed like an eternity until Eugenio Derbez began speaking

to the crowd of people who gathered to witness the iconic moment. Eventually he finished his

speech by saying SI SE PUDO! and the crowds of people instantly chanted along with him,

waving Mexican flags and beaming with pride for the success of their fellow mexicano. I had

always heard people say si se puede!, yes we can!, but here was a Latino who had already

done it, he had already succeeded. This moment has changed me forever. It taught me that with

hard work and dedication, anything was possible, even for a Chicana like me. Since then, I have

grown and learned that I too, am worthy and capable of being great. Seeing hundreds of people

gather to celebrate a Latino in Hollywood was life-changing. I had never witnessed that level of

solidarity and joy before. I had never been so proud to be Mexican, to be a Latina, of my people,

and of a complete stranger to me. If given the chance, I would relive this day over and over

again. I am a better person because of this experience and I am forever grateful for it. I will

cherish my memories of this day for as long as I live.